Seminar Series: “Deepwater Marine Protected Areas in the South Atlantic Region”

This presentation from NOAA Fisheries provides insight on research conducted within the Deepwater Marine Protected Areas designated in the South Atlantic region, including impacts of the protected areas based on data collected from remotely operated vehicles over the past 17 years by NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center. During their research scientists were able to document fish abundances before and after implementation of fishing restrictions, comparing protected and unprotected areas. They were also able to examine the effects of Lionfish on reef community structure along the south Atlantic shelf break and compare natural and artificial habitats to illuminate deep-water grouper habitats.