Determination of Trophic Transfer at a Created Intertidal Oyster ( Crassostrea ariakensis ) Reef in the Yangtze River Estuary Using Stable Isotope Analyses

摘要: Oysters can create reefs that provide habitat for associated species resulting in elevated resident abundances, lower mortality rates, and increased growth survivorship compared to other estuarine habitats. However, there is a need quantify trophic relationships transfer at created oyster better understanding of their potential creating suitable nekton habitat. Stable isotope analyses (δ13C δ15N) were conducted examine the organic matter sources energy flow pathways intertidal (Crassostrea ariakensis; hereinafter, oyster) reef adjacent salt marsh Yangtze River estuary, China. The δ13C values most reef-associated (22 37) intermediate between those suspended particle (POM) benthic microalgae (BMI), indicating both POM BMI are major reef. sessile motile macrofauna colonizing make up main prey transient (e.g., spotted sea bass, Asian paddle crab, green mud crab), thus suggesting community was important supporting higher levels as opposed direct dietary subsidy oysters. consistently supported than due dominance secondary consumers. These results indicate through provision species, support average level estuary.