Episode Description:

How do you count two fish, three fish or even a school of fish? In Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles from Key West, Florida, a group of scientists have joined forces to conduct a massive fish census. In this unprecedented collaboration, experts from four different agencies unite to count and analyze fish data from select sites. Changing Seas follows highly-skilled science divers as they determine the size of fish populations in hopes of better understanding how fishing pressures and environmental changes affect populations of marine resources within the park.

Home to the world’s third largest barrier reef, Florida’s vast coral tract plays a significant role in the development and protection of many marine organisms. These delicate stony structures help support commercially-viable species that form the foundation of the state’s large fishing industry. For one to two weeks, scientists at sea maintain a rigorous diving schedule as they count and record everything from Staghorn coral to Red Groupers. What will the divers find? Are fish populations recovering in South Florida?

Meet the men and women featured in this episode:
Jerald S. Ault, Ph.D.
Dave McLellan
Ben Ruttenberg, Ph.D.
Captain Frank Wasson
Marilyn Brandt, Ph.D.
Tom Jackson
Marie-Agnès Tellier
Steven G. Smith, Ph.D.
Jennifer Schull

Dry Tortugas National Park

Known for its pristine waters, massive brick fortress, and famous birdlife, Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Fort Jefferson, the historic military outpost, attracts many visitors, but it’s the park’s vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish that make this area unique.

“A research group at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), FEMAR works in assessing the resource status (occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution), and marine protected area performance for reef fish communities of the world. FEMAR offers the necessary tools to fully understand coral reef ecosystems to support policy made by federal, state, and local entities with sound scientific investigations.”

“The Geospatial Assessment of Marine Ecosystems (GAME) is a project that aims to define and describe marine ecosystems to assist management of coastal and marine waters.”

FAME strives to better understand “how natural (biological and physical) and anthropogenic factors affect populations of marine fish species. FAME’s ongoing research includes extensive field studies, large-scale data analyses, modeling efforts, and novel gear development and application.”

“Every even year, approximately 40 scientists led by Dr. Jerald S. Ault, conduct a synoptic visual census survey using SCUBA/Nitrox to assess the resource status (occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution), and MPA performance for the reef fish community in Dry Tortugas National Park.”

The M/V Spree is a 100-foot aluminum crew ship that provides snorkel and scuba diving excursions to Dry Tortugas National Park and various shipwrecks along the Florida Keys. Capable of accommodating 24 live-aboard passengers, the M/V Spree recently participated in a scientific, multi-agency fish census near Key West, Florida.

Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn
3755 S Roosevelt Boulevard,
Key West, Florida, 33040-5255
(305) 296-3500

Miami Dive Stop
16604 NE 2 Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL  33162
(305) 940-0927

Scuba Outfitters of Naples
1949 Davis Blvd, Suite 2
Naples, FL 34104-4292
(239) 280-5500

Changing Seas would also like to thank the following individuals and institutions who kindly allowed their footage and images to be used in this production:

James A. Bohnsack, Ph.D.
NOAA Fisheries

Jerald S. Ault, Ph.D.
University of Miami

Jennifer Schull

Jiangang Luo, Ph.D.
University of Miami

Dave McClellan
NOAA Fisheries

Marilyn Brandt, Ph.D.
University of Miami/
National Park Service

NASA/Visible Earth

Pew Oceans Commission

State Archives of Florida
Florida Photographic Collection

Special Thanks:
Matt Patterson
National Park Service