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The Tuckerton Oyster reef was established in 2016 in the Little Egg Harbor region of Barnegat Bay. This multi-partner effort has resulted in planting about 7 million oysters on the site and is currently the largest oyster restoration site in Barnegat Bay. Oysters provide habitat for marine species and filter water. This page contains descriptions of the monitoring methods used to determine the impact of the oyster reef on the Barnegat Bay ecosystem.
Nekton sampling
Nekton surveys are performed using unbaited mesh fish traps placed in areas around the reef and a bare-bottom control site. Surveys are repeated three times a year and target the summer months when fish are most abundant. Traps are soaked for 48-72 hours. Upon recovery, species are removed, identified and measured. Data metrics used to assess habitat enhancement include total abundance (total number of individuals caught per trap), richness (total number of species found per trap), abundance of fishes, and abundance of decapods/crabs.
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