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Environmental Sciences

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Theses and Dissertations

Gulf of Mexico

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Fish Community Analysis Using Multidirectional Rov Video Surveys In The Northwestern Gulf Of Mexico, Keegan J. Angerer Aug 2022

Fish Community Analysis Using Multidirectional Rov Video Surveys In The Northwestern Gulf Of Mexico, Keegan J. Angerer

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, ROV surveys with multidirectional video were used to analyze the fish communities associated with artificial reef patches in the Rio Grande Valley artificial reef 13.7 km off the coast of South Padre Island, TX. Nine configurations of reef patches consisting of varying combinations and densities of concrete pyramid and low-profile modules were surveyed. The highest species diversity was found at patches with large deployments of both pyramids and low-profile modules. Total Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus abundance did not differ between configurations, but the highest abundances of juvenile Red Snapper were found at configurations with one pyramid and …


Network Analysis Of Scientific Research In The Gulf Of Mexico, Juliet S. Vallejo Aug 2022

Network Analysis Of Scientific Research In The Gulf Of Mexico, Juliet S. Vallejo

Theses and Dissertations

The Gulf of Mexico ecosystem represents a significant management challenge in its 3,423-mile coastline and transnational regulatory setting, along five states from the United States, six states from Mexico, and Cuba which borders the southeastern quadrant. Providing various resources to the regional economies, the continued success of these resources depends on the collaboration among transnational participants in bringing together complementary skills and multidisciplinary approaches to producing, circulating, and utilizing scientific knowledge. Using bibliometric analysis of Gulf of Mexico-related published research over 18 years from 2000 to 2018 allows for identifying organizations, their connections, and trends in the production of scientific …


Growth And Reproduction In Gulf Of Mexico Black Corals (Antipatharians) In Field And Laboratory Studies, Victoria E. Salinas Aug 2022

Growth And Reproduction In Gulf Of Mexico Black Corals (Antipatharians) In Field And Laboratory Studies, Victoria E. Salinas

Theses and Dissertations

Black corals provide an important ecosystem of marine life and are found throughout all the oceans of the world at depths between 2 and 8,600 m. However, little is understood about their life history and the factors that control the distribution of black corals, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Given the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on soft corals (e.g., black corals and octocorals) in the GoM, studies of their growth and reproductive biology in both natural and aquaculture environments are crucial for restoration efforts. The objectives of this study were to examine reproductive processes, compare …


Dna Barcoding Reveals Unexpected Diversity In Octocorallia In The Northwestern Gulf Of Mexico, Chelsea L. Pavliska Dec 2019

Dna Barcoding Reveals Unexpected Diversity In Octocorallia In The Northwestern Gulf Of Mexico, Chelsea L. Pavliska

Theses and Dissertations

Coral reefs are an integral tier of marine ecosystems. They provide habitat and foraging opportunities for many ecologically and economically important fishes. Protection of coral reef biodiversity and connectivity is imperative to the continued health and sustainability of marine fisheries. Mesophotic reefs, such as those found in the northwest Gulf of Mexico, have unique coral communities because of the limited light penetration at mesophotic depths (30 – 150m). Because there is limited knowledge in regards to the biodiversity of coral reefs of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM), particularly the South Texas Banks (STBs), thesis work presented here aims to …


Phylogeography Of An Estuarian Calanoid Copepod; Acartia Tonsa In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, Nicole J. Figueroa Dec 2017

Phylogeography Of An Estuarian Calanoid Copepod; Acartia Tonsa In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, Nicole J. Figueroa

Theses and Dissertations

The calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa is one of the most abundant and well-studied estuarian species. However, the idea that this cosmopolitan species has unrestricted dispersal and high gene flow has been challenged. In this study, a more holistic picture of the phylogeography of A. tonsa was developed using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase one (mtCOI). Multiple new lineages were found in the Texas Gulf of Mexico that are basal to Northeastern Atlantic lineages. Connectivity was also observed between Brazil and the Texas Gulf of Mexico. The revised phylogeny shows a clear pattern of cryptic speciation as the species made a …