Rebreather Divers Discover Deep Coral Reef Activity

South of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, at a site known locally as the Grammanik Bank, scientists have discovered an incredibly lush area of deep-water lettuce corals starting at depths of 200 feet. At this same location, another group of scientists closely observed and videotaped over 300 Bermuda chub spawning, a previously unseen event.

The scientists made their discoveries using closed-circuit rebreathers. The rebreathers allowed the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) scientists to explore unique coral reefs deeper than 100 feet, known as mesophotic reefs. Thanks to their bubble-free technology, the rebreathers also minimized disturbance of natural behaviours, such as fish spawning and predation events.

This research extends understanding of the composition and health of deep coral reefs and fish reproductive patterns. Faculty and UVI staff trained in the use of closed-circuit rebreathers have shared their knowledge with collaborators in Puerto Rico, Pohnpei (an island in Micronesia) and Bermuda.

Source: www.research.gov