Project Number: 5358-63000-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jul 14, 2005
End Date: May 31, 2010

Objective:
Objective 1: Identify critical stages in the life cycle of burrowing shrimp in West Coast estuaries that are vulnerable to control measures for aquaculture operations. Objective 2: Map aquaculture operations, eelgrass beds, and burrowing shrimp populations at an estuarine landscape scale and conduct a spatial analysis in order to quantify the interaction between oyster aquaculture practices, fish utilization of these estuarine habitats as predators and parasite hosts, and burrowing shrimp recruitment and movement.

Approach:
Conduct research in marine/estuarine ecology to develop new and sustainable approaches to controlling pests and predators such as burrowing shrimp, spartina, crab, drills and diving ducks. Using a systems approach, examine key management practices and their impacts on ecological components of complex, dynamic estuarine environments. Establish a clear understanding of the ecology and biology of key pests and predators that impact reproduction, survival and overall population dynamics. Identify and evaluate potential biological control agents for efficacy in an integrated pest management system. Develop a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with ARS, Oregon State University, and EPA scientists located at the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center, Newport, OR, and elsewhere as needed. Work with outreach and extension personnel/groups to transfer technology to growers. FY03 Program Increase $223,537. 1 SY. FY04 Program Increase $120,783. Replacing 5358-63000-001-00D (7/05).