Title: DEEP ON THE CHEAP: ACCESSIBLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR QUANTITATIVELY SURVEYING MESOPHOTIC CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract: An array of recent technological advancements has allowed broader scientific access to mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs). These reefs are now known to function in support of fisheries, serve as regional larval sources, and act as potential refuges for reef organisms. There is still a great deal unknown about these systems, including their global distribution. Although our collective understanding of MCEs has greatly increased in recent history, the costs of requisite technologies for accessing these environments—i.e., technical SCUBA, ROVs and AUVs—often hinders their study. We have developed a highly accessible and boat launched remote camera system that provides a rapid and cost effective approach to identify, quantitatively describe and monitor MCEs. We have undertaken three investigations using these techniques—on the north and south shelves of St. Thomas and within the Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, USVI. We have used this system to identify benthic structure of MCEs at depths between 30 and 100 m with and without high-resolution bathymetry. Equipment costs range from $500 to $3500 USD depending on desired depth and data requirements. We found that a crew of three people can sample 25 to 50 points daily depending on conditions and travel time. Post-processing of benthic photographs identifies coral species, macroalgae, sponge and cyanobacteria coverage. We discuss the broader applicability of these methods in remote regions and areas lacking high-resolution bathymetry and advanced SCUBA capabilities.

Authors: Brandtneris VW, Groves SH, Holstein DM, Brandt ME, Smith TB

Presentation: Oral

Session: 29

Date: 06/22/16

Time: 17:15

Location: 308 A/B

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