Foundation species such as the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) serve numerous
ecological functions and provide myriad ecosystem services within coastal environments. These reefs improve water quality, stabilize the adjacent salt marsh, and provide key habitat for approximately 300 species, including fishes, shrimps, and crabs, among other fauna. However, due to overfishing, disease and other stressors, oyster reef habitat has
declined drastically. With increased conservation and restoration efforts to increase oyster reef quantity, there is a need for a more holistic understanding of oyster reef condition and function for reef-associated fauna.

In 2023, a Catalyst team comprising 4 Reserves and 4 university partners sampled oyster reefs across the southeast. The team used traditional sampling, acoustic imaging, stable isotope analyses, oyster disease assays, and environmental DNA to characterize the community of reef-associated fauna. Following the field campaign, the team held two project meetings and a virtual workshop to engage directly with intended users. In this webinar, the project team will share the high-level takeaways from their sampling, describe the successful user engagement process, and gauge interest in further participation by Reserves from across the System.