Evaluation of OA impacts to plankton and fish distributions in the Gulf of America during GOMECC-4 with a focus on HAB-interactions
Why we care
Ocean change in the Gulf of America, including acidification and eutrophication, can impact biodiversity and the flow of energy through ecosystems from microscopic phytoplankton to higher trophic levels like fish. These processes can impact the health of fisheries and coastal ecosystems. This project collects information to evaluate the links between ocean conditions and important species in the Gulf of America.
What we are doing
During the 4th Gulf and Ocean Ecosystem and Carbon Cruise (GOMECC-4), formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem and Carbon Cruise, scientists collect samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and ichthyoplankton to characterize fish distribution and abundance, larval fish condition and diet, microplastic abundance, and harmful algal bloom species. These collections coincide with measurements of acidification, oxygen, and eutrophication to make connections between ocean chemistry and biology.
Benefits of our work
This project will help characterize how changes in ocean conditions interact with biological processes like harmful algal bloom formation and ecosystem productivity that are important to local fisheries and stakeholders.
Investigators
Leticia Barbero, University of Miami/CIMAS
Frank Hernandez, University of Southern Mississippi
Glenn Zapfe, NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (NSFSC)
Beth Stauffer, University of Louisiana at Lafayette