![]() ![]() There is evidence of unsustainable and destructive harvesting that has resulted in the decline of tropical oyster reefs, and these reefs should therefore be included in restoration efforts. We then summarised the biology, ecology, and benefits of tropical oyster reefs, which have four functional differences to temperate reefs: 1) the diversity of reef-building oysters is over four times higher in tropical than in temperate regions 2) tropical reef-building oysters can have continuous spatfall throughout the year whereas temperate species have a defined season 3) tropical reef-building oysters are generally faster growing than temperate reef-building oysters and 4) tropical oysters commonly create mixed-species oyster reefs whereas temperate oyster reefs are generally formed by a single oyster species. ![]() In this review we quantified the known global diversity of native reef-building oysters to compare diversity between temperate and tropical regions and assessed historic oyster reef presence and declines using two tropical case studies. Widespread global declines have triggered a world-wide restoration movement, however a paucity of information on tropical oyster reefs has resulted in their exclusion from existing global assessments and, consequently, restoration. Oysters are ecosystem engineers that form biogenic reef habitats in shallow coastal and estuarine waters and provide important ecosystem services. 4The Nature Conservancy Australia, Carlton, VIC, Australia. ![]() ![]() 3Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.2Coastal and Marine Research Centre, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.1Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia. ![]()
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