Computer generated model of FGB East bank showing relationship between shallow and deep sampling sites. A dynamic java model of this data (derived from USGS bathymetry) is also available. The exact point of deep sampling was not mapped.
Deep coral spawning at the Flower Garden Banks, Northwest Gulf of Mexico
Peter D. Vize, University of Calgary, pvize@ucalgary.ca
Three examples of coral broadcast spawning at depths of 100 feet or greater are provided. Video is reproduced courtesy of Sustainable Seas Expeditions and NOAA. Copyright © Sustainable Seas Expeditions, 1999.
Montastraea franksi colony at 34 meters (=111 feet). Slightly staggered but very large release. You can see many packets still in polyp mouths towards the bottom of the frame towards the end of the clip.
Montastraea franksi colony at 39 meters (=128 feet). Massive synchronous release.
Diploria strigosa cology at 33 meters (=108 feet). This is a small colony but early in the sequence you can see a robust packet stream.
Computer generated model
of FGB East bank showing relationship between shallow and deep sampling
sites. A dynamic java model of this data (derived from USGS bathymetry) is also
available. The exact point of deep sampling was not mapped.