@article{theuerkauf_puckett_eggleston_2021, title={Metapopulation dynamics of oysters: sources, sinks, and implications for conservation and restoration}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2150-8925"]}, DOI={10.1002/ecs2.3573}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={7}, journal={ECOSPHERE}, author={Theuerkauf, Seth J. and Puckett, Brandon J. and Eggleston, David B.}, year={2021}, month={Jul} }
 @article{theuerkauf_eggleston_puckett_2019, title={Integrating ecosystem services considerations within a GIS-based habitat suitability index for oyster restoration}, volume={14}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0210936}, abstractNote={Geospatial habitat suitability index (HSI) models have emerged as powerful tools that integrate pertinent spatial information to guide habitat restoration efforts, but have rarely accounted for spatial variation in ecosystem service provision. In this study, we utilized satellite-derived chlorophyll a concentrations for Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA in conjunction with data on water flow velocities and dissolved oxygen concentrations to identify potential restoration locations that would maximize the oyster reef-associated ecosystem service of water filtration. We integrated these novel factors associated with oyster water filtration ecosystem services within an existing, ‘Metapopulation Persistence’ focused GIS-based, HSI model containing biophysical (e.g., salinity, oyster larval connectivity) and logistical (e.g., distance to nearest restoration material stockpile site) factors to identify suitable locations for oyster restoration that maximize long-term persistence of restored oyster populations and water filtration ecosystem service provision. Furthermore, we compared the ‘Water Filtration’ optimized HSI with the HSI optimized for ‘Metapopulation Persistence,’ as well as a hybrid model that optimized for both water filtration and metapopulation persistence. Optimal restoration locations (i.e., locations corresponding to the top 1% of suitability scores) were identified that were consistent among the three HSI scenarios (i.e., “win-win” locations), as well as optimal locations unique to a given HSI scenario (i.e., “tradeoff” locations). The modeling framework utilized in this study can provide guidance to restoration practitioners to maximize the cost-efficiency and ecosystem services value of habitat restoration efforts. Furthermore, the functional relationships between oyster water filtration and chlorophyll a concentrations, water flow velocities, and dissolved oxygen applied in this study can guide field- and lab-testing of hypotheses related to optimal conditions for oyster reef restoration to maximize water quality enhancement benefits.}, number={1}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Theuerkauf, Seth J. and Eggleston, David B. and Puckett, Brandon J.}, year={2019}, month={Jan} }
 @article{puckett_theuerkauf_eggleston_guajardo_hardy_gao_luettich_2018, title={Integrating Larval Dispersal, Permitting, and Logistical Factors Within a Validated Habitat Suitability Index for Oyster Restoration}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2296-7745"]}, DOI={10.3389/fmars.2018.00076}, abstractNote={Habitat suitability index (HSI) models are increasingly used to guide ecological restoration. Successful restoration is a byproduct of several factors, including physical and biological processes, as well as permitting and logistical considerations. Rarely are factors from all of these categories included in HSI models, despite their combined relevance to common restoration goals such as population persistence. We developed a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based HSI for restoring persistent high-relief subtidal oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs protected from harvest (i.e., sanctuaries) in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA. Expert stakeholder input identified 17 factors to include in the HSI. Factors primarily represented physical (e.g., salinity) and biological (e.g., larval dispersal) processes relevant to oyster restoration, but also included several relevant permitting (e.g., presence of seagrasses) and logistical (e.g., distance to restoration material stockpile sites) considerations. We validated the model with multiple years of oyster density data from existing sanctuaries, and compared HSI output with distributions of oyster reefs from the late 1800’s. Of the 17 factors included in the model, stakeholders identified four factors—salinity, larval export from existing oyster sanctuaries, larval import to existing sanctuaries, and dissolved oxygen—most critical to oyster sanctuary site selection. The HSI model provided a quantitative scale over which a vast water body (~6,000 km2) was narrowed down by 95% to a much smaller suite of optimal (top 1% HSI) and suitable (top 5% HSI) locations for oyster restoration. Optimal and suitable restoration locations were clustered in northeast and southwest Pamlico Sound. Oyster density in existing sanctuaries, normalized for time since reef restoration, was a positive exponential function of HSI, providing validation for the model. Only a small portion (10-20%) of historical reef locations overlapped with current, model-predicted optimal and suitable restoration habitat. We contend that stronger linkages between larval connectivity, landscape ecology, stakeholder engagement and spatial planning within HSI models can provide a more holistic, unified approach to restoration.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE}, author={Puckett, Brandon J. and Theuerkauf, Seth J. and Eggleston, David B. and Guajardo, Rodney and Hardy, Craig and Gao, Jie and Luettich, Richard A.}, year={2018}, month={Apr} }
 @article{theuerkauf_eggleston_theuerkauf_puckett_2017, title={OYSTER DENSITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC RATES ON NATURAL INTERTIDAL REEFS AND HARDENED SHORELINE STRUCTURES}, volume={36}, ISSN={["1943-6319"]}, DOI={10.2983/035.036.0111}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT The ubiquitous loss of natural intertidal oyster reefs and associated ecosystem services has fueled restoration efforts throughout the world. Effective restoration requires an understanding of the distribution, density, and demographic rates (growth and survival) of oysters inhabiting existing natural reefs and how these may vary as a function of landscape-scale factors, such as tidal range and fetch distances. Furthermore, natural intertidal habitats are increasingly being replaced with hardened shoreline structures that may be colonized by oysters, yet little is known about habitat quality (as indexed by oyster density and demographic rates) of these hardened structures relative to natural habitats. The present study sought to compare oyster density, demographic rates, and population estimates (1) across estuarine landscape settings to inform natural intertidal oyster reef restoration (i.e., comparing natural intertidal reefs within adjacent water bodies that vary in tidal regimes and fetch distances) and (2) across natural habitats and human-made structures to assess variation in habitat quality between natural reefs and hardened shorelines. Oyster density, growth rates, and population estimates on natural intertidal reefs were greatest within the smaller, more tidally influenced Core Sound versus the larger, wind-driven Pamlico Sound, with no significant difference in survivorship identified between the two water bodies. Natural intertidal reefs and hardened shoreline structures were compared within Pamlico Sound only, with natural intertidal reefs hosting three to eight times higher oyster densities than hardened shoreline structures. When mean oyster density/m2 was multiplied by reef area to estimate population size, natural intertidal reefs within Pamlico Sound hosted considerably greater populations of oysters relative to hardened shorelines. The present study fills an existing need to understand oyster density and demographic rates on natural intertidal reefs and hardened shorelines to better inform future restoration and shoreline management scenarios.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH}, author={Theuerkauf, Seth J. and Eggleston, David B. and Theuerkauf, Kathrynlynn W. and Puckett, Brandon J.}, year={2017}, month={Apr}, pages={87–100} }
 @article{theuerkauf_eggleston_puckett_theuerkauf_2017, title={Wave Exposure Structures Oyster Distribution on Natural Intertidal Reefs, But Not on Hardened Shorelines}, volume={40}, ISSN={["1559-2731"]}, DOI={10.1007/s12237-016-0153-6}, number={2}, journal={ESTUARIES AND COASTS}, author={Theuerkauf, Seth J. and Eggleston, David B. and Puckett, Brandon J. and Theuerkauf, Kathrynlynn W.}, year={2017}, month={Mar}, pages={376–386} }
 @article{kroll_poray_puckett_eggleston_fodrie_2016, title={Environmental effects on elemental signatures in eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica shells: using geochemical tagging to assess population connectivity}, volume={543}, ISSN={["1616-1599"]}, DOI={10.3354/meps11549}, abstractNote={: We evaluated the utility of geochemical tagging methods to discern larval connec tivity among an invertebrate metapopulation within a large (~5000 km 2 ) temperate estuary. Specifically, we examined how estuarine-scale gradients in temperatures (21° to 26.5°C), salinities (12.5 to 20 ppt), and trace metal concentrations (ambient, +16 ppb Mn and 0.16 ppb Pb, or +32 ppb Mn and 0.32 ppb Pb) affect Crassostrea virginica larval-shell signatures of Mn, Sr, Ba, and Pb in controlled mesocosms. We also utilized field-collected, newly settled oysters across Pamlico Sound, NC, USA, to explore signature variability among natural temperature and salinity gradients and examine the spatial resolution at which geochemical signatures can be used to discriminate between collection regions. Mesocosm experiments revealed environmentally and statistically significant interactive effects between temperature and salinity on elemental ratios in larval oyster shells, favoring higher Sr concentrations in cooler, fresher water, but no effects of these factors on Ba signatures. Mesocosm trials also showed increased Mn signatures in larval shell following from spiking mesocosms with Mn solutions; however, this relationship did not hold for Pb following analogous elemental spikes. Our field collections of recent settlers showed similar patterns of high Sr at relatively low salinities and temperatures, without clear environmental gradients for Ba. Overall, we found that across regional (35 km) spatial scales, environmental variables, such as salinity and temperature, can generate distinct multi-elemental signatures between putative natal sites. However, if sites are close together or located in similar environments, discrimination among sites appears greatly reduced. We suggest that geochemical tagging provides a promising approach for characterizing larval connectivity among subpopulations within whole-estuarine systems.}, journal={MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES}, author={Kroll, Ian R. and Poray, Abigail K. and Puckett, Brandon J. and Eggleston, David B. and Fodrie, F. Joel}, year={2016}, month={Feb}, pages={173–186} }
 @article{puckett_eggleston_2016, title={Metapopulation dynamics guide marine reserve design: importance of connectivity, demographics, and stock enhancement}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2150-8925"]}, DOI={10.1002/ecs2.1322}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={ECOSPHERE}, author={Puckett, B. J. and Eggleston, D. B.}, year={2016}, month={Jun} }
 @article{moore_lipcius_puckett_schreiber_2016, title={The demographic consequences of growing older and bigger in oyster populations}, volume={26}, ISSN={["1939-5582"]}, DOI={10.1002/eap.1374}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={7}, journal={ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS}, author={Moore, Jacob L. and Lipcius, Romuald N. and Puckett, Brandon and Schreiber, Sebastian J.}, year={2016}, month={Oct}, pages={2206–2217} }
 @article{puckett_eggleston_kerr_luettich_2014, title={Larval dispersal and population connectivity among a network of marine reserves}, volume={23}, ISSN={["1365-2419"]}, DOI={10.1111/fog.12067}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={4}, journal={FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY}, author={Puckett, Brandon J. and Eggleston, David B. and Kerr, Patrick C. and Luettich, Richard A., Jr.}, year={2014}, month={Jul}, pages={342–361} }
 @article{haase_eggleston_luettich_weaver_puckett_2012, title={Estuarine circulation and predicted oyster larval dispersal among a network of reserves}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1096-0015"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.ecss.2012.02.011}, abstractNote={A critical component to understanding connectivity of isolated populations of marine organisms (i.e., metapopulations) is quantifying hydrodynamic paths of dispersal, and variation in the strength of these hydrodynamic connections. We replicated 3-dimensional wind-driven circulation patterns in Pamlico Sound (PS), North Carolina, USA using a numerical hydrodynamic model (ADCIRC, ADvanced CIRCulation) in conjunction with a particle-tracking model (PTM) to predict larval dispersal of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and estimate connectivity among a network of ten no-take oyster broodstock reserves in PS to inform restoration efforts. ADCIRC was forced with wind observations, which were predominately southwesterly during May–November 2007 when oyster larvae were dispersing in PS. Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers and surface drifters were used to validate ADCIRC-predicted current velocities and PTM-predicted larval dispersal, respectively. ADCIRC reliably predicted current velocities at different locations in PS, especially currents near-surface (R = 0.6, lags < 2 h). The PTM accurately predicted (R > 0.5) the total and net distance transported by drifters, which ranged from 1 to 63 km and 0.3–42 km, respectively over ≤7 days. Potential oyster larval connectivity was not uniform among broodstock reserves in PS. Of the 100 possible connections, 24 were present. Eight of the 10 reserves provided ≥ one inter-reserve connection, with 4 being the most. Self-recruitment occurred at all but one reserve. Spatial variation in the degree of potential oyster larval connectivity in PS, combined with evidence for spatiotemporal dynamics of oyster populations, provides strong evidence for an oyster metapopulation and possibly source-sink dynamics within the network of no-take reserves.}, journal={ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE}, author={Haase, Amy T. and Eggleston, David B. and Luettich, Rick A. and Weaver, Robert J. and Puckett, Brandon J.}, year={2012}, month={Apr}, pages={33–43} }
 @article{mroch_eggleston_puckett_2012, title={SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATION IN OYSTER FECUNDITY AND REPRODUCTIVE OUTPUT IN A NETWORK OF NO-TAKE RESERVES}, volume={31}, ISSN={["1943-6319"]}, DOI={10.2983/035.031.0420}, abstractNote={Adult fecundity and reproductive potential can be critical determinants of subsequent larval supply and juvenile recruitment, and important determinants of placed-based management, especially when selecting sites for marine reserves where larval export is an expected outcome. We quantified spatiotemporal variation in fecundity and reproductive potential of female oysters (Crassostrea virginica) within a network of no-take oyster broodstock reserves by sampling over 3 y at 3 spatial scales: (1) per capita, (2) per square meter, and (3) per reserve. A total of 2,596 oysters were collected using scuba from six reserves in Pamlico Sound, NC, during 2006 to 2008 and processed in the laboratory for fecundity. Per-capita fecundity ranged from 0–340,500 eggs, and increased exponentially with oyster size, peaking in May of all years. In general, per-capita fecundity was highest at more inland mesohaline reserves, whereas reproductive potential per square meter and reserve reproductive potential were highest at more seaward polyhaline reserves as a result of a combination of relatively high density, and large oyster size and reserve areas. All 3 reproductive metrics increased in general over time. These results suggest that inland broodstock reserves should be prioritized for stock enhancement/seeding—and more seaward reserves for reserve expansion—and highlight the need to consider spatiotemporal variation and the scale at which a key demographic rate (fecundity and reproductive potential) is expressed when assessing the efficacy and conservation/restoration targets of marine reserves.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH}, author={Mroch, Raymond M., III and Eggleston, David B. and Puckett, Brandon J.}, year={2012}, month={Dec}, pages={1091–1101} }
 @article{puckett_secor_ju_2008, title={Validation and Application of Lipofuscin-Based Age Determination for Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus}, volume={137}, ISSN={["1548-8659"]}, DOI={10.1577/T07-278.1}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={6}, journal={TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY}, author={Puckett, Brandon J. and Secor, David H. and Ju, Se-Jong}, year={2008}, month={Nov}, pages={1637–1649} }