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Seafloor Characterization of the U.S. Caribbean |
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Day 6: 03/01/2008
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Advanced processing of the multibeam backscatter intensity using UNH/JHCOM Geocoder software easily reveals distinct biological seafloor features. The groundtruthing scientists were inquisitive about what these could be. Using the underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), the scientists were able to precisely locate and image these anomalies located on Tourmaline Bank.
Patches of hardbottom structure among sand or mud bottoms are clearly seen in the backscatter data as conspicuous white patches within a black matrix. These patches are important to map because they are used by many fish species, some of which are part of the Puerto Rican fishery. We found grouper and snapper commonly associated with small hardbottom patches, even though patches may be surrounded several hundred meters of sand on all sides.
In one instance we found a very curious lobster within a large sponge looking up at us. The lobster was unafraid. As we passed overhead with the ROV and snapped a few pictures, the lobster approached us and wiggled its antennae inquisitively. It was an enormous lobster and to see it pose as it did was remarkable.
