Beyond annual metrics: Linking seasonal population dynamics to vertical oyster reef growth

Oysters are ecosystem engineering species building reef-like biogenic structures in temperate shallow water environments, serving as biodiversity hotspots. Recently, also their ecosystem services such as fish nursery, pollutants sink and self-sustaining coastal protection mechanisms came into a research focus. In light of accelerated sea level rise and increasing environmental dynamics, a determination of vertical growth rates of these biosedimentary structures is paramount in assessing their resilience. This study embarked on a comprehensive survey of seasonal vertical reef growth rates using terrestrial laser scanning and related population dynamics of two intertidal reefs built by the non-native oyster Magallana gigas in the Wadden Sea. We quantified median reef growth at 19.8 mm yr⁻¹ for the Kaiserbalje reef and 17.5 mm yr⁻¹ for the Nordland reef. Additionally, we tested the hypothesis that the seasonal variations in reef growth rates correspond to the local population dynamics, mainly the parameters of shell length and abundance which mirror delayed effects from previous spawning events. Shell growth rates were 0.03–0.06 mm d⁻¹ in winter and 0.10–0.16 mm d⁻¹ in summer, mean oyster abundance from autumn 2019 to spring 2022 was 627 ± 43 ind. m⁻² and 338 ± 87 ind. m⁻² at the Kaiserbalje and Nordland reefs respectively. Minor reef growth in the topmost reef area reflects an emerging equilibrium of the vertical reef position to actual sea level. Our findings are in accordance with growth of natural Crassostrea virginica reefs on the US East Coast, indicating potential resilience to actual and predicted sea level rise scenarios. Moreover, understanding local hydro-morphodynamic feedback linked to sea level rise will be vital in predicting the three-dimensional stability of these biosedimentary structures and habitats.