University Researcher Grows Oyster Reef by Electrically Charging Sea Water

Normally, electrical current is something you want to keep away from water, but researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have refined a way to create oyster reef by charging sea water with electricity. Those involved with the project say they can use this information to restore, maintain and protect oyster reefs in Coastal Bend bays and coast-wide in the state of Texas. It's a project that could hold the key to replenishing a key Gulf Coast ecosystem.
In some areas of the Gulf of Mexico, oyster reefs have declined nearly 90 percent over the last 130 years, jeopardizing the wellbeing of several Gulf Coast industries, the infrastructure that supports them, and the residents who depend on them.

"Oysters are an important ecological and economic resource," said Dr. Paul Zimba, Director of the Center for Coastal Studies at A&M-Corpus Christi. "They create habitats for fish and shellfish, filter and clean bay waters, protect shorelines from erosion, and are a valued commercial fishery element."

While electrically charging water to create artificial reef is not a new concept, Zimba and his team performed lab studies to determine exactly how much electrical current was needed.

"We knew carbonate accumulation could be stimulated using electrical currents," said Zimba. "But there wasn't enough research done on specific polarity, voltage and electrical current types needed to maximize growth."
Zimba's team evaluated polarity, voltage, and electrical current to identify the conditions under which artificial oyster or hard bottom substrate habitat could be created, and to determine correct current type and voltage to maximize reef formation. Zimba found that the growth was strongly affected by current type and polarity, making it important to have just the right mix. Once they were able to perfect the formation of artificial reef in a laboratory setting, they moved their work to the field. A site in Corpus Christi Bay was used to test this system consisting of structures built from rebar and charged them using solar power.

"After one month we had a solid community covering the original material," said Zimba. "Our hope is that this technology is used for restoration of reef communities, replacement of hard bottom habitat to prevent sediment re-suspension, and aquaculture."

The researchers not only monitored the growth on the rebar, but also the environment around the formations. They found there was no negative impact on aquatic or avian populations from the electrical current.

"While preliminary, these results clearly demonstrate a massive potential for restoration of oyster and coral reef habitats," said Zimba

About Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Offering more than 60 of the most popular degree programs in the state, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi has proudly provided a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly-rated degree programs since 1947. The Island University has earned its spot as a premier doctoral-granting institution, supporting two research institutes and 10 research centers and labs. Discover your island at tamucc.edu.

About The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) – As part of the College of Science and Engineering, The Center for Coastal Studies is an interdisciplinary marine research institute which conducts basic and applied research, ecological monitoring, public education outreach, and graduate-level education and research programs. CCS scientists and students work on marine topics from the Texas Coastal Bend to the farthest reaches of the Gulf of Mexico. These scientist's efforts contribute significantly to our understanding of the marine environments on which much of the quality of our lives is dependent.