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.
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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/
410-267-5655
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