BIO

My name is Colin Sorenson. I am a biology student at Florida State University. I graduated highschool from a small town in suburban Minnesota. In my free time I like to spend time outdoors doing activities such as snowboarding and water skiing. I hope to get accepted into medical school after my undergraduate studies are through. The research that I have done was eye opening in the fact that ecosystems heavily impact surrounding communities just like Apalachicola Bay, one hour south of Florida State University!

3-D Model Analysis of Artificial Oyster Reefs in Apalachicola Bay

Abstract

Abundant and healthy oyster populations are essential for many marine ecosystems and communities. Oysters promote clean waters, provide essential habitat, and serve as keystone species. Apalachicola Bay has noticed a severe decline in the local oyster population within the last decade. Due to anthropogenic and environmental stressors in 2013, the ecosystem collapsed and was declared an environmental disaster causing FWC to place a moratorium on commercial harvesting of oysters in 2020. Working alongside the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI) team, the goal of my research was to work with FSUCML staff to help construct 3D models of artificial oyster reefs to be used in ongoing research and future deployments. Reef Ball models were placed in varying geographical locations around the bay to better track growth rates and settlement of the local oyster (Crassostrea virginica) population. Multiple water quality parameters were recorded at each of the deployment sites. Each model was compared to its original structure in six-month intervals, aiming to illustrate the difference in size and volume of the artificial reefs. Reef balls will be retrieved up to three additional times for further analysis prior to the completion of the two year project in April of 2024.

Keywords: Oysters, Marine, 3D modeling, Apalachicola Bay