Integrating ecosystem services considerations within a GIS-based habitat suitability index for oyster restoration.

ABSTRACT: Geospatial habitat suitability index (HSI) models have emerged as powerful tools that integrate pertinent spatial information to guide habitat restoration efforts, but have rarely accounted for spatial variation in ecosystem service provision. In this study, we utilized satellite-derived chlorophyll a concentrations for Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA in conjunction with data on water flow velocities and dissolved oxygen concentrations to identify potential restoration locations that would maximize the oyster reef-associated ecosystem service of water filtration. We integrated these novel factors associated with oyster water filtration ecosystem services within an existing, 'Metapopulation Persistence' focused GIS-based, HSI model containing biophysical (e.g., salinity, oyster larval co

SUBMITTER: Theuerkauf SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6347164 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature