Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Christopher Finelli, associate professor of biology and marine biology, and his research team are completing a 10-day research mission in the Aquarius underwater habitat to study coral reefs and sponges, particularly giant barrel sponges. Finelli and Joe Pawlik, professor of biology and marine biology, have conducted research and gathered baseline data on giant barrel sponges from Aquarius and other locations since 1997. Photos are posted below.

More information on Pawlik and Finelli's research and this mission to Aquarius is available here.

Aquarius is an underwater ocean laboratory located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The laboratory is deployed three and half miles offshore, at a depth of 60 feet, next to spectacular coral reefs. Scientists live in Aquarius during 10–day missions using saturation diving to study and explore our coastal ocean. Aquarius is owned by NOAA and is operated by the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Photo captions:

Aquarius Reef Base: The Aquarius Reef Base, an underwater ocean laboratory located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, three and a half miles offshore at a depth of 60 feet. Credit: Stephen Frink, UNCW

Ryan and Friend: Habitat technician Ryan LaPete and a goliath grouper outside the Aquarius habitat. 45' depth. Credit: C. Finellli, UNCW

Diseased: Large barrel sponge dying from "orange band disease." 50' depth, Conch Reef. Credit: C. Finelli, UNCW

Inside Aquarius: Habitat Ttchnician Ryan LaPete and Aquanaut Chris Finelli inside the Aquarius habitat. 45' depth. Credit: C. Finelli, UNCW

Marked Agelas: Brown tube sponge marked with a permanent stake for monitoring. 55' depth, Conch Reef. Credit: C. Finelli, UNCW