Seraphina Satkowski

Abstract:

Within Rhode Island along the coastlines of Narragansett Bay thereis variation in environmental variables as well as Crassostrea virginica (wild eastern oyster) populations. In Rhode Island, the population of Crassostrea virginica was almost completely diminished due to harmful human impacts. In order to understand how the wild oyster population is doing today, shell measurements of lengths and widths as well as environmental data were collected and compared. In doing this, conclusions were able to be drawn about which environmental factor played the largest role in wild oyster shell lengths. This data helps in knowing how well the oysters are able to adapt in varying environments as well as aiding in potential restoration projects in the future.