TY - JOUR
T1 - Species identity and spatial patterns of common oysters at oyster reefs of Guangdong, China
AU - Zhou, Zihua
AU - Qiu, Hong
AU - Chen, Yaohui
AU - Qiu, Jian Wen
AU - Zhang, Yuehuan
AU - Zhang, Jinghuai
N1 - The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by Guangdong Science and Technology Plan Project (2021B1212110001), National Natural Science Foundation of China (42076129), National Key Research and Development Project (2022YFC3106303), and Science and Technology Development Fund Project of the South China Sea Bureau (200208007000199009).
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2025 Zhou, Qiu, Chen, Qiu, Zhang and Zhang.
PY - 2025/8/28
Y1 - 2025/8/28
N2 - Introduction: As concerns mount over the threats facing oyster reefs, awareness of the need to mitigate habitat loss and restore ecosystem services is increasing. However, challenges in identifying oysters have limited our understanding of their species- and population-level diversity, complicating efforts to establish effective marine protected areas. Therefore, this study aims to address these challenges by conducting a comprehensive survey along the coastline of Guangdong Province to assess the species composition and spatial distribution of oyster reefs across 51 intertidal sites, such as estuaries, islands, oyster farms, mudflats, and mangroves. Methods: In total, we collected 742 oyster specimens by qualitative survey for oyster distribution and generated approximately 1,400 mitochondrial DNA sequences (N = 693 for 16S rRNA and N=706 for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to support genetic analysis. More than 30000 oysters sample collected by quantitative survey were applied to analyze the oyster assemblages. Results: The analyses revealed 12 mitochondrial lineages representing three genera within the family Ostreidae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed robust monophyletic groupings, confirming species identities and leading to the identification of two cryptic species within the genus Saccostrea. Based on DNA evidence, these two cryptic Saccostrea species were closely related to the known S. non-mordax D and H lineages. Quantitative analysis showed that Crassostrea sikamea was the most prevalent species in the study area, with an average abundance and biomass > 1,400 individuals/m2 and 4,449 grams/m2, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative assessment both revealed at least 6 species were identified at G07 (Jieyang), being the most biodiverse location of Guangdong Province. Discussion: By mapping oyster distribution and updating the species inventory, our study provides a foundation for future research on oyster populations and informs conservation efforts aimed at preserving and restoring oyster habitats, thereby supporting marine biodiversity.
AB - Introduction: As concerns mount over the threats facing oyster reefs, awareness of the need to mitigate habitat loss and restore ecosystem services is increasing. However, challenges in identifying oysters have limited our understanding of their species- and population-level diversity, complicating efforts to establish effective marine protected areas. Therefore, this study aims to address these challenges by conducting a comprehensive survey along the coastline of Guangdong Province to assess the species composition and spatial distribution of oyster reefs across 51 intertidal sites, such as estuaries, islands, oyster farms, mudflats, and mangroves. Methods: In total, we collected 742 oyster specimens by qualitative survey for oyster distribution and generated approximately 1,400 mitochondrial DNA sequences (N = 693 for 16S rRNA and N=706 for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to support genetic analysis. More than 30000 oysters sample collected by quantitative survey were applied to analyze the oyster assemblages. Results: The analyses revealed 12 mitochondrial lineages representing three genera within the family Ostreidae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed robust monophyletic groupings, confirming species identities and leading to the identification of two cryptic species within the genus Saccostrea. Based on DNA evidence, these two cryptic Saccostrea species were closely related to the known S. non-mordax D and H lineages. Quantitative analysis showed that Crassostrea sikamea was the most prevalent species in the study area, with an average abundance and biomass > 1,400 individuals/m2 and 4,449 grams/m2, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative assessment both revealed at least 6 species were identified at G07 (Jieyang), being the most biodiverse location of Guangdong Province. Discussion: By mapping oyster distribution and updating the species inventory, our study provides a foundation for future research on oyster populations and informs conservation efforts aimed at preserving and restoring oyster habitats, thereby supporting marine biodiversity.
KW - biodiversity
KW - cryptic species
KW - oyster reef
KW - spatial pattern
KW - species identification
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105015439562
U2 - 10.3389/fmars.2025.1602823
DO - 10.3389/fmars.2025.1602823
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:105015439562
SN - 2296-7745
VL - 12
JO - Frontiers in Marine Science
JF - Frontiers in Marine Science
M1 - 1602823
ER -
