Tuesday is our second full day aboard a boat in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. The goal of this trip is to learn as much as possible about research and conservation efforts tied to the phenomenal coral reef known as the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
We’re here with a team from Moody Gardens that’s deeply involved in the exploration and preservation of the reef.
Misconceptions about the Gulf of Mexico:
While our beaches and water off the coast of Southeast Texas may not look like what you’d find in California or Florida, our waters are just as vibrant - albeit you have to go a bit farther out. The Flower Garden Banks are one hundred miles offshore and are alive and full of color. They’re one of the healthiest reefs on the planet.
Scientists are studying and working to preserve the reef, because what they learn here could help reefs all over the world.
You may have heard the recent discovery of Great White Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
That discovery was made possible through the work of Marissa Nuttall, research coordinator of the Fish Movement program at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Her team installed monitors throughout the Garden and any tagged fish will show they’ve been here.
What was a surprise to scientists around the world was the discovery of five great white sharks in the Gulf. It was previously thought great whites didn’t like the warm Gulf waters. That is now proven not true.
Creating a safe diving space:
A lot of time on this trip has been dedicated to installing and repairing mooring lines. The bottom of the sea floor is covered in coral, so a ship cannot drop anchor. Any boat has to tie itself to a mooring line. This work is vital to keep the coral floor healthy. This line also helps divers get back to the boat when the current is strong, like it was today. Josh Harvey is the mooring buoy specialist and he’s gotten up early every morning with his team and set these lines.
Everything we’re learning on this journey and the amazing footage we’re gathering will be used in a one-hour documentary we’re producing in partnership with Moody Gardens. We can’t wait to share more of our adventure soon.