GULFSTREAM 2022

MARE joined NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center for a 7-day expedition aboard R/V Weatherbird II from May 23rd to June 3rd 2022. The expedition was aimed at looking for the presence of Oculina varicosa coral in a section of the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern off the east coast of Florida. Oculina is usually found in depths of 50 meters or more and is the foundation that supports a diverse community of invertebrates and fishes. The OHAPC has offered protection from trawling and other activities, and this survey was a part of evaluating a section along the eastern boundary which is under consideration for reopening to trawling. Working in this area is extremely challenging due to the high-speed currents of the Gulf Stream.

Gulfstream 2022 1

The dives recently completed with the BATFish collected the first visual observations of this part of the OHAPC.  In all, the BATFish covered ~35 km at speeds up to 6.5 knots over ground of benthic habitat in the area under consideration for reopening and locations immediately adjacent to it.