Climate repercussions in the Yuna-Samana Bay estuary, Sanchez, Dominican Republic : a case study on Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) exposure to different salinity regimes

Abstract

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), is densely populated in estuarine areas subjected to various abiotic and biotic factors. The density of C. virginica along the Atlantic coast of U.S. has declined to 1-3% of historic population level. Anthropogenic influences exacerbate stress on oyster populations by continuously modifying estuarine salinity gradients. One of the limiting environmental parameters is manipulating the osmotic conditions. Our objective in this study was to investigate Eastern oysters’ tolerance to a wide range of salinity levels.