View from the crane as Little Herc is lowered into the water. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2012. Download larger version (jpg, 2.4 MB).
View from the crane as Little Herc is lowered into the water. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2012. Download larger version (jpg, 2.4 MB).
Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, determining the types and extents of damage to the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico has been – and continues to be - a high priority. This has been especially difficult with regard to deep-water habitats. Our expedition provides an opportunity to assist with that NOAA and national priority. Today we dove on a location in Mississippi Canyon lease blocks 294 and 338. An Oct/Nov 2010 expedition identified a deep-coral community here that showed signs of significant and recent impact. The area has been a major focus of study ever since. The purpose of revisiting this critical location was to determine change over time.
