HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION

High-Resolution Multibeam Bathymetry

Over the past 5 years, through collaborations, proposal-driven grants and NOAA shiptime, over 3700 sq. km of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico has been mapped using High-Resolution Multibeam systems. This effort included areas both within and outside the boundaries of the Sanctuary. Twelve additional reef features were mapped, as well as the area between the East and West Flower Garden Banks. The coral caps of the East and West Flower Garden Banks were surveyed at 1 meter resolution - an incredible dataset! These charts provide the baseline upon which all future science is planned, and orchestrated.

Habitat Characterization

The multibeam charts have been crucial in our planning and orchestration of submersible surveys. We have utilized both manned and unmanned technology to explore and describe the deeper water habitats both inside and outside sanctuary boundaries. Since 2001, the sanctuary research team has conducted 135 submersible surveys using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and manned submersibles, which accounted for over 200 hours of bottom time. These surveys have taken place at 10 different reefs and banks.

During most surveys, the location of the ROV or submersible is tracked through a system of transmitters and hydroacoustic receivers. Video is recorded for the duration of the dives while habitat and species notes are simultaneously documented in a spreadsheet. Thousands of high resolution images are captured to document the marine life and geology of the target sites. The fact that the track of the submersible is georeferenced, allows us to link the digital image or video to the bathymetry - thus allowing us to develop habitat maps, tying in the biology and geology.

Over 160 marine organisms have been sampled during these surveys and sent to experts in different fields, for the purpose of identification. This will allow us to properly identify organisms encountered in future surveys. The acquisition of these samples provides images and information that will be used to develop regional catalogs for the different groups of marine flora and fauna. These catalogs will not only be a useful resource in the Gulf of Mexico, but on a wider Caribbean scale.