Proposed Introduction of a NonProposed Introduction of a Non--native native

Oyster in Chesapeake BayOyster in Chesapeake Bay

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

NOAA’s Research ProgramNOAA’s Research Program

Jamie L. King, Ph.D.

NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office

October 5, 2005

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Proposal to IntroduceProposal to Introduce

� Intentional introduction of a non-native species: Crassostrea ariakensis (Asian or Suminoe oyster) ”Oregon strain”

� Joint Maryland/Virginia Proposal

� Purpose: To establish an oyster population that reaches a level of abundance in Chesapeake Bay that would support sustainable harvests comparable to harvest levels during the period 1920-1970.

� Proposed introduction is in state waters; potential inter-state issues and effects beyond Ches BayDo n

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Environmental Impact StatementEnvironmental Impact Statement

U.S. National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)

We are here now

Public input steps

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EIS Project Delivery Team (PDT)EIS Project Delivery Team (PDT)

Federal Lead AgencyU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

State Co-Lead AgenciesMaryland Department of Natural Resources

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Cooperating AgenciesNOAA – National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin.

EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

FWS – U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceDo not

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EIS Examines AlternativesEIS Examines Alternatives

EIS will examine the proposed action and identified alternative actions, including:

� Expand native oyster restoration

� Harvest moratorium

� Aquaculture – native or non-native oyster

� Introduce C.ariakensis and discontinue native oyster restorationDo n

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Current EIS ActivitiesCurrent EIS Activities

� Research • Research projects underway since 2004

� Developing Assessment Tools• Demographic model• Larval dispersal model

• Filtration and water quality modeling

� Ecological Risk Assessment• Identifying ecological risk factors

• Developing qualitative/quantitative estimates of riskDo not

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NOAA Research ProgramNOAA Research Program

� Short-term research initiative• Began in 2004 – 13 projects funded• Continues in 2005 – 19 projects funded

• Anticipated funding in 2006

� Designed to support information needs of the EIS

� Funding priorities guided by:• National Research Council (NRC)

• Chesapeake Bay Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC)

• ICES Protocols

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InstitutionsInstitutions

University of Maryland• UMCES Horn Point Laboratory

• UMCES Chesapeake Biological Lab

• Biotechnology Institute, COMB

• College Park

Virginia Institute of Marine Science• Gloucester Point

• Eastern Shore Laboratory

Smithsonian Env. Research Center

Hainan University

Institute of Oceanology Chinese

Academy of Sciences

Rutgers University• Haskins Shellfish Research

University of North Carolina• Institute of Marine Science

North Carolina• Division of Marine Fisheries

Johns Hopkins University• Bloomberg School Public Health

Cooperative Oxford Lab

Versar, Inc.

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Research Topics Research Topics -- BiologicalBiological

1. Understand C. ariakensis in its native range• taxonomy, population genetics, pathogens, ecology

2. Potential for population growth/sustainability• demographic model, larval transport model, input data

3. Susceptibility to known diseases• Bonamia (NC), MSX, Dermo, viruses, others

4. Interactions with native oyster • space competition, gamete competition, hybridization

5. Human consumption risks• uptake and clearance rates – bacteria, protozoan, viral

6. Potential to be fouling nuisance• will C. ariakensis become invasive?

7. Ecosystem services• reef building, filtration, food web dynamics

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� Product quality and marketability• shelf life, taste tests, consumer acceptance

� Production or implementation costs• hatchery seed production costs• infrastructure capital investments• industry buy-out, enforcement

� Economic feasibility• feasibility of various production methods

(aquaculture, leased grounds, public fishery)

� Economic impacts• dockside value, jobs, secondary revenue• dollar value of nutrient reductions

Research Topics Research Topics -- EconomicEconomic

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Research TimelineResearch Timeline

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Quarterly ReviewsQuarterly Reviews

� Rapidly bring new results to managers and scientists for discussion

� Build consensus on what we do/don't know as research proceeds

� Modify projects underway to maximize utility of data collected

Past & Upcoming Quarterly Reviews:

Spring 2005 (March)

Summer 2005 (August)

Fall 2005 (November)

Reports are

available on

our web site

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http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/

Jamie.King@noaa.gov

410-267-5655

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