NE Gulf of Mexico MPA survey

The numbers and species of grouper and snapper were counted annually during the grouper spawning season to evaluate the use of closed areas as a management tool to increase reef fish populations.

Purpose:

To collect Numbers, species, and some sizes of reef fish observed. Also to collect CTD data.

Video clips are examined and all fishes are identified to the lowest possible taxa. Additionally, size data is acquired through the use of paired lasers mounted on each camera.

ROVs are used to locate spawning aggregations and provide grooundtruthing for a complimentary multibeam mapping program. Information on associations between habitat and various fish species is also garnered from the stationary and ROV cameras. Results are presented to the Gulf Council on an annual basis as well as to a variety of state, national, and international scientific meetings

Panama City Lab

To fishery Scientists and other qualified researchers upon request

NOAA Data Quality Act Documentation and Pre-Dissemination guidelines

Data set is not for use in litigation. While efforts have been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages or misrepresentations caused by inaccuracies in these data, or as a result of these data being used on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does distribution constitute any such warranty