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Sea of stars gulfport ms9/5/2023 Documented the presence of deep-water branching ahermatypic corals (Lophelia pertusa and/or Madrepora occulata) at the four selected sites.The wide array of data collected throughout each dive provided us with the necessary information to meet the following proposal objectives: These sites were located in lease blocks VK826, VK862, MC885, and GC354 ( view expedition map). Sandra Brooke, Oregon Institute of Marine Biologyĭuring the deep-water coral portion of the 2003 Gulf of Mexico Ocean Exploration cruise, we were able to use the Sonsub ROV to investigate 4 sites. It was an honor to participate in the exploration of yet another little-known region of our worlds oceans, and to be one of the fortunate few to witness the wonders of the deep water communities of the Gulf of Mexico first hand. Brown, the crews of Sonsub and C&C Technologies, the scientific party, and the OE team for their dedication and hard work that resulted in another very successful cruise. On behalf of OE, I would like to thank the crew of the NOAA Ship Ronald H. At the conclusion of the expedition, a port event was held in Gulfport, MS, that included extensive media coverage and tours of the ship for about 150 students and teachers from local schools. Browns Seabeam echosounder, and several of these target sites were mapped at high resolution for the first time.Įducation products and outreach efforts included updates on the Ocean Explorer Web site with daily logs and images during the expedition, the development or modification of eight lesson plans to fit with the goals and objectives of the cruise, and two Professional Development Institutes for Educators. More than 280 nm2 of ocean bottom were mapped with the Ronald H. Scientists documented the presence of deep water coral communities at sites targeted for exploration, and the use of deep water corals as habitat for associated organisms was clearly documented during this expedition. This specimen bounty included various sponges, many algal species, more than 80 species of invertebrates, 21 coral species, and various fishes, as well as numerous geological samples. Several hundred specimens associated with deep water coral communities were also collected for further study. Individual summaries from the three teams can be found below.ĭespite time lost to mechanical difficulties and bad weather, twelve ROV dives were conducted successfully, involving more than 59 hours of bottom time, providing hundreds of digital still images and nearly 50 hours of digital video. The three discrete teams who collaborated on this exciting twelve-day cruise were led by scientists from NOAAs Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, the University of Alabama, and the Marine Conservation Biology Institute. Video of scientist using sampling techniques that have minimal impact on the Northern Gulf of Mexico Deep Water Habitats. Video of the extraordinary biological diversity of the Gulf of Mexico. Mission Summary September 21 - October 2, 2003 From left to right starting in the top row Catalina Martinez, Will Schroeder, Julie Olson, Sandra Brooke, John McDonough, Doug Weaver, GP Schmahl, Brett Phaneuf, Ron Hill, John Bratton, Sarah Bernhardt, Mary Wicksten, Suzanne Fredericq, Emma Hickerson, Taconya Piper, and Jenefer Savage. The Northern Gulf of Mexico Deep Water Habitats science party (less one participant, Peter Etnoyer).
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