Development of Innovative Techniques for Exploring Novel Submarine Springs on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf

摘要

Studies of offshore submerged sinkhole and spring features (blue holes) have been limited, as they frequently exceed normal scuba limits, reaching depths of >130 m, and have openings too small for many submersibles to access.These blue holes host several commercially important and regulated fish species as well as protected species, and they are ecological hotspots with respect to species composition and diversity. To overcome the technological limitations and explore the geological, physical, and chemical environments of blue holes and the resulting biological distribution, we assembled an innovative sensor and sampling suite. The principal objectives of the project were to (1) repurpose and repackage existing high-tech marine biogeochemical instrumentation to create a ben-thic lander appropriate for exploration of these environments (Figure 1); (2) develop a multi-day logistical planfor safely deploying the platform in conjunction with geo-chemical, genomic, and macrofauna surveys; (3) employ this plan in the exploration of two blue holes at depths >100 m and develop a long-term plan for the systematic exploration of other blue holes on the West Florida Shelf; and (4) disseminate data and images through innovative means designed to captivate the public and garner future interest from scientists.