Comparing the effectiveness of alternative substrates (Oyster catcher vs. Oyster shell bags) at promoting oyster reef development and preventing saltmarsh erosion

As new living shoreline substrates emerge, there is a need to test their effectiveness (relative to more traditional substrates) at establishing the ?living? component of the living shoreline, as well as their ability to stabilize shorelines. Oyster catcher substrate developed by Sandbar Oyster Co. is made from plant-fiber cloth infused with cement binders, which makes it potentially biodegradable and ephemeral in the environment. We will compare the effectiveness of oyster catcher substrate vs shell bag substrate along scarped and ramped saltmarsh shorelines (relatively high energy) and tidal creek shorelines (relatively low energy) within the Rachel Carson Reserve. Site locations will be chosen to overlap with previous efforts (beginning in 2012) to test deployment of loose oyster shell in these environments.

Scholars @ ECU