Redfish and Specks Benefit from Limited Weir Closings

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Originally Posted by MathGeek

Yes, salinity levels at the S end of the lake are high enough to cause a problem with no harvesting. The reefs at the N end of the lake are in better shape. Most of the LDWF sampling stations for the stock assessments are near the S end of the lake, because this is where most of the commercial harvesting occurs. There is a line running east-west near the middle of the lake N of which harvesting is closed even when the S end of the lake is open. Because the N end is closed to harvest, LDWF has less interest in rebuilding or assessing stocks in this area.



Right. Since there has been no dredging on the E side since 2010, dredging on the E side is not the current problem.

But note that LDWF is more interested in rebuilding reefs S of the line where oystering is allowed, rather than N of the line where reefs would be protected. Since salinity levels are lower the further N you go, it would make more sense to restore oysters N of the line. Restoring reefs S of the line in the higher salinity areas suggests that the purpose of reef restorations is focused on harvest, not habitat and ecosystem services. See the attached figure.

I'm sorry, but LDWF is going to build a 50 acre reef next year and it will more than likely be North of the line. They do not want to build it south of the line. LDWF has to monitor the harvest area to regulate oyster havests, so i guess it may appear that they don't care.