MDBC Triton

The full extent of injury to mesophotic and deep benthic communities (MDBC) from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill remains unknown. The MDBC portfolio is a suite of four projects selected by the OO TIG to restore MDBC injured by the 2010 DWH oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The four projects are: Mapping, Ground-truthing, and Predictive Habitat Modeling (MGM), Habitat Assessment and Evaluation (HAE), Coral Propagation Technique Development (CPT), and Active Management and Protection (AMP). One goal of this 18-day experiment is to provide us with data that we can add to the Threats Database and use in the Science to Management portion of the AMP project as well. The experiment will also allow us to monitor a recent threat reduction action (installation of a deep mooring buoy to prevent anchoring) to help begin to meet AMP MAM goals. Then, the data we receive from the experiment and how the experiment goes generally will help inform future methods of monitoring vessel activity and visitor use in the Sanctuary/managed areas, which can then further contribute to Science to Management.