Abstract
These data include oyster morphological characteristics and individual survivorship after
oysters were settled onto tiles, nursed with predator cues (caged blue crabs, caged oyster drills,
controls of no cues), then planted at seven field sites along the Alabama coastline. Subsets of
oysters were assessed for shell strength, size, and dry weight using a Kistler force sensor and
drying oven while oyster survivorship was assessed by hand periodically in the field for up to
3.5 months.
Purpose
Many prey species can adjust morphology to reduce predation risk in response to predator
cues. Enhancing prey defenses using predator cues may improve survival of cultivated species
and enhance species restoration efforts, but assessment of such benefits at industrially relevant
scales is needed. We examined how raising a model foundation species, oysters (Crassostrea
virginica), under commercial hatchery conditions with cues from two common predator species
can improve survival across a variety of predator regimes and environmental conditions.
Oysters responded to predators by growing stronger shells than controls, but had subtle
variations in shell characteristics depending on the predator species. Predator-induced changes
significantly increased oyster survival up to 600% and survivorship was maximized when cue
source was matched with local predator regime. Overall, these findings demonstrate the utility
of using predator cues to enhance the survival of target species across landscapes and highlight
the opportunity to employ nontoxic methods to control pest-based mortality. Data were
collected by Dr. Benjamin Belgrad, Dr. Lee Smee, Dr. Jessica Lunt, Mrs. Sarah Roney, Mr.
William Knudson, and Mr. Andrew Powell.
DOI: 10.57778/ay2h-nz04
