Dataset: Oyster density of restored reef edge/interior in Quonochontaug Pond, RI in May 2019

These data were published in Table S1 of Davenport et al., 2022 (Restoration Ecology).

To quantify the observed pattern of higher oyster density around the edges of reefs at Quonochontaug Pond, Rhode Island, USA, (41.3 N, 71.7 W) we surveyed oyster density and reef relief in May 2019. Divers haphazardly placed 0.25 m² quadrats on each oyster reef and excavated all live and recently dead oysters (N = 3-5 quadrats per reef on each of edge and interior). Live oysters were counted in the field before returning them to the reef in the same location where they were collected. Top valves were removed from recently dead oysters (open oysters with both valves present, but no live tissue) to confirm they were dead before replacing them. Divers also measured water depth with a meter stick at each quadrat, at the highest point on each reef, and at the unstructured bottom adjacent to each reef. Reef relief and quadrat relief were calculated by subtracting the water depth at each quadrat (quadrat relief) or the highest point on the reef (reef relief) from the water depth on the adjacent unstructured bottom.