The Relationship Between Oyster Farms and Their Environment, a Sea Otter’s Perspective

Apr 3, 2024

Species: Pacific Oyster (Magallana gigas), Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris), Seaweed
Lead Organizers: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Location: Southeast, Southwest

This project examines sea otter interactions with oyster farms and the relationship of these interactions with environmental parameters. Sea otter behavioral observations (activity and foraging) in and around oyster farms will be compared with observations where oyster farms do not exist or are not active.

Environmental parameters that will be examined in this study include; benthic community and habitat structure, protection from storms, water depth, turbidity, conductivity, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.

Principal Investigator / Partners:
  • Brenda Konar, (UAF)
  • Alaska Shellfish Farms
  • Spinnaker Sea Farms
  • Moss Island Oyster Farm
  • Oyster Cove Farm
Project Term: 2022 - 2026
Funding: Alaska Sea Grant, and Sea Otter Foundation and Trust
Contact Email: bhkonar@alaska.edu