The Eastern Oyster: A Keystone Species in a Dynamic Ecosystem

This presentation will discuss the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and how it is considered a keystone species, along with defining what a keystone species is. We will discuss many impacts, natural and human made, that affect the health and survival of oyster reefs. These concepts will be visualized utilizing an interactive estuary map and a prop arch way to demonstrate the keystone species concept. Lastly we will discuss how oyster reefs have declined drastically and what can be done to help them going forward.

Learning Points

Define a keystone species and understand how the Eastern Oyster fits the
description of one.
Understand the dynamics of water quality and ecosystem health in an
estuary.
Know what can be done to help protect oyster reefs for their future survival.