Landscape aspects of oyster reefs: Effects of fragmentation on habitat utilization

► Fragmentation of reefs did not affect abundance of most reef-associated fauna. ► However, direct and indirect effects of fragmentation were seen for specific taxa. ► Multiple small reefs may provide similar habitat benefits to a single, larger reef. ► 50% habitat reduction was associated with a decline in abundances of many species. ► Suggests a patch-size threshold under which negative effects of fragmentation occur.