| |
| author |
Kyle J Majid
| | title |
Benefits of the Reintroduction of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in New York State
| | abstract |
The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, was once abundant in the coastal
regions of New York State during the 1800s. In fact, the vast amount of oysters
located in and around New York City prompted the bivalves to become a main
element of the local culture and cuisine during this period. Consequently, the city
earned its nickname as the "Oyster Capital of the World." However, by the mid
1920s, the large oyster population crashed due to overharvesting and deteriorating
water quality resulting from increasing pollution. Almost 100 years later, the water
quality has improved dramatically, allowing for New York State's coastal regions to
become a suitable habitat for C. virginica once again. This study aims to show that C.
virginica is a prime candidate for reintroduction efforts in New York State. The
reasoning behind my choice of focusing on C. virginica is because of its ability to
provide large-scale environmental benefits, such as water filtration, flood control,
and a habitat base in the water it inhabits. Additionally, the species is rooted deeply
in the historical and current culture of the region, as well as, having the potential for
being the basis of a growing food industry. Recent water quality data were accessed
to better determine a plan of action for reintroduction. I theorized that a two-part
plan, which divides the region into two major subsections, roughly corresponding to
New York City and Long Island, would allow for a more comprehensive
reintroduction effort.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2019)
|
| advisor |
Caroline Maier
|
| committee |
Tammy Windfelder
Josh Kavaloski
|
| full text | KJMajid.pdf |
| |
