摘要: |
This report finalizes the compilation of field notes, site notes, and sample data from the Florida Shelf-Edge Expedition (FLoSEE), July 9-August 9, 2010, that was conducted by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University (HBOI-FAU) as part of the Year 2 science plan for the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology (CIOERT). As a result of British Petroleums Deepwater Horizon oil spill, our CIOERT cruise plan was expanded to enable CIOERT scientists to assess the impact of the oil spill and provide data to assist NOAA in background ecosystem assessment, damage assessment, and restoration. A total of 43 scientists, technicians and students from the CIOERT (HBOI-FAU, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, University of Miami, and SRI International), NOAA Fisheries, NOAA NCDDC, NOAA OER, NOAA AOML, and Florida State University conducted this 32 day expedition using HBOIs R/V Seward Johnson and Johnson-Sea-Link II submersible. The areas of operation focused on deepwater coral reefs and shelf-edge mesophotic reefs along the west Florida shelf, Florida Keys, and southeastern Florida. The CIOERT scientific themes for this research cruise addressed the following: (1) assessment and documentation of deep-water coral reefs, shelf-edge mesophotic reefs, and essential fish habitat; (2) stress responses of corals and other marine invertebrates exposed to oil and chemical dispersants; (3) assessment of zooplankton and linkages between pelagic and benthic ecosystems; (4) chemical analysis of sessile benthic taxa and biomedical resources; and 5) education and outreach. |