Oyster Surveys for the Pre-construction Engineering and Design Phase of the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project, Port Lavaca, Texas

This project will support the United States Army Corps of Engineers channel widening project in Lavaca and Matagorda Bay by collecting and analyzing data that will be used to identify locations with reasonable potential for having oysters. Field sampling to collect oysters and surficial sediments will be conducted using diver-quadrats from a boat. Samples will be quantified for live oyster density and size frequency distribution of live oysters. Data on oyster density and size will be analyzed and presented to illustrate spatial trends in live oyster abundance and size. The Coastal Conservation and Restoration Lab will discuss results and alternatives with United States Army Corps of Engineers staff and will provide feedback on locations with reasonable potential for having oysters within the project area.