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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Islands In The Mud: The South Texas Banks Provide Crucial Mesophotic Habitat For Coral Communities, Maria Bollinger, Keir J. Macartney, Erin E. Easton, David Hicks
Islands In The Mud: The South Texas Banks Provide Crucial Mesophotic Habitat For Coral Communities, Maria Bollinger, Keir J. Macartney, Erin E. Easton, David Hicks
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
On the continental shelf off the coast of South Texas lie a series of natural hard-bottom structures (rocky outcrops and relic coral-algal reefs) known as the South Texas Banks (STB), which provide critical habitat for benthic organisms and pelagic fish. The depth of the banks, a persistent nepheloid layer, and strong currents have resulted in few studies that provide quantitative biodiversity data on the STB. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), video surveys were conducted to quantitatively describe the mesophotic coral communities and assess habitat suitability of five STB: North Hospital, Hospital, Southern, Big Adam, and Mysterious Banks. Each of …