Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica ) are keystone species that are recognized for their ecological and economic benefits in Delaware . Predation is a stressor that can hinder both the recruitment and distribution of oysters (Johnson and Smee 2014). C. virginica are prey for different species of fish, crustaceans and gastropods (Newell et al. 2007). In order to assess oyster predation and species diversity, real-time monitoring and environmental DNA analysis are conducted at different locations around Rehoboth Bay, Delaware. The sites include pilot artificial reefs, private aquaculture farms, and control sites without any oysters or habitat structure .
Underwater cameras are deployed every two weeks from June to October. Once retrieved, the camera footage is reviewed for any signs of aquatic life and all documented species are identified and recorded for comparisons between sampling sites (Fig. 1). Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis serves as a complimentary method for species identification and to assess the potential for eDNA as a tool for environmental monitoring (Fig. 2) .
On-site water quality monitoring along with collected water samples are also used to perform nutrient analysis and assess chemical and physical water quality conditions which will be used to determine the aragonite saturation state. The aragonite saturation state will help to assess the impacts of ocean acidification on the calcification process of C. virginica and how this may impact predation. This study will help to promote oyster restoration efforts and sustainable aquaculture in the Delaware Inland Bays.