Hydrodynamic and biogeochemical evolution of a restored intertidal oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef

Oyster reef restoration is increasingly used as a tool for restoring lost ecosystem services in degraded aquatic systems, but questions remain about the efficacy of the practice and when/if restored reefs may behave similarly to intact natural reefs. In this case study, field observations highlighted short- (200% within 12 months.•The restored reef was functionally similar to a reference reef within 1 year.