Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School

College of Science and Mathematics

Department/Program

Biology

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Paul A. X. Bologna

Committee Member

Alexis Khursigara

Committee Member

Lisa Hazard

Abstract

Forked River in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, has undergone multiple ecological restoration and coastal remediation efforts in recent years. Among these initiatives is the installation of HESCO units, large wire-mesh cages filled with rock and shell substrate, designed to reduce shoreline erosion while simultaneously providing structural foundation for oyster-reef development. This study evaluated benthic fish and decapod recruitment associated with these installations using smaller-scale oyster boxes as analogs for HESCO habitat. Ten oyster boxes, each consisting of wire-mesh containers filled with oyster shell substrate, were deployed adjacent to the HESCO units beginning in June 2025 and retrieved at monthly intervals through September. During sampling, all fish were identified, measured, and released, whereas decapods were preserved for laboratory identification. Recruitment was dominated by Xanthid crabs, skilletfish (Gobiesox strumosus), blennies (particularly Hypsoblennius hentz), and gobies (Gobiosoma sp.). Several reef-associated species, including tautog (Tautoga onitis) and four-eye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus), were also collected. These findings indicate that the HESCO units are functioning as ecologically meaningful habitat for both fish and decapods. Continued monitoring will be essential for assessing long-term reef development and evaluating the ecological performance of HESCO-based restoration projects in Barnegat Bay.

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