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The Lure Of Shipwrecks - April 15, 2008
NOVA Scientisits from southeastern Florida, USA conduct a three year study of a rich reef fish community thriving around three freighters sunk in 250 to 300 FSW with the help of Certified VideoRay Consultant Steve Van Meter and his VideoRay Pro 3.
Miami Herald – March 9th, 2008 – Anglers wouldn’t have many bottom-fishing opportunities in the deep ocean waters off Broward County if there were no shipwrecks. A three-year study by scientists at Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center revealed a rich reef fish community thriving around three freighters sunk in 250 to 300 feet of water—compared with an almost barren natural rubble bottom nearby. Researchers David Bryan and Kirk Kilfoyle used a miniature, camera-toting remote-control submarine, or ROV, operated by Steve Van Meter to count fish around the wrecks of the Bill Boyd, Papa’s Reef and Caicos Express and on the adjacent ocean floor.
They found 615 fish of 42 species on the natural bottom, but nearly 51,400 fish of 65 species on the vessel reefs.
“We were the first to look at these wrecks with an ROV,” Bryan said. “We got to see things not many people have gotten to see. It was surprising we didn’t find [nearly] anything on the natural bottom.” Operating the VideoRay submersible with a joystick from the surface, the scientists found the wrecks were dominated by thousands of tiny, plankton-eating basses, which in turn provided forage for larger fish such as Almaco and amberjack, blackfin and gray snapper, and scamp grouper. The researchers also spotted some large Warsaw grouper and hogfish. “We all wished we had a spear gun,” joked Bryan.
Bryan and Kilfoyle concluded the deep shipwrecks do not appear to be attracting fish away from nearby natural habitat. Instead, they said, the fish congregating around the vessels are more similar to those found on the deep-water coral reefs of the Oculina Banks off Fort Pierce. Those reefs have high relief and are much more complex than the natural bottom off Broward County. Said Nova marine biology professor Richard Spieler, who supervised the project: “There’s a strong possibility that the use of artificial habitat in deep water in places like Broward enhances the fishery. “While the ships seem to increase reef fish productivity, the scientists said, they may also attract larger groupers that are typically rare in Broward County, making them more susceptible to hook-and-line and spearfishing. Said Spieler: “Ships can serve a purpose. They would serve a great purpose if you could restrict fishing on them.” The $100,000 study was funded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Guy Harvey Research Institute, and NOAA Fisheries.
Author: Susan Cocking
Copyright© 2008 The Miami Herald
About Steve Van Meter:
Mr. Van Meter has been a Certified VideoRay Consultant since 2005 and has performed countless ROV missions with his VideoRay in some of the most extreme conditions. He makes his home in Cocoa, Florida and can be contacted at svm123@mindspring.com .
About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.
