Episode 103: Corals of the Deep

In the deep waters off Florida’s Atlantic coast grow magnificent structures, capable of reaching 300 feet in height. These are the corals of the deep sea. Porcelain-white and centuries old, few humans have seen these delicate reefs. The ivory tree coral, Oculina varicosa, and Lophelia pertusa flourish in harsh, sunless environments, yet these branch-like formations provide food and shelter for a variety of deepwater organisms. Rich in biodiversity, this mysterious underwater kingdom is threatened by destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling. However, a recently proposed 23,000 square mile marine protected area could save these fragile reefs from ruin.

Changing Seas follows scientists 50 miles offshore on a unique expedition to further pinpoint the locations of these thousand-year-old coral mounds. Using cutting-edge technology, experts from three of the country’s premier ocean research institutions have joined forces to investigate portions of Florida’s seafloor. The science team lives aboard a research vessel for seven days. Their mission: To scan the ocean bottom and create detailed maps using specially built Autonomous Underwater Vehicles or AUVs. Their results could help save Florida’s corals of the deep. But what will they find?

Experts

Meet the experts featured in this episode.

Episode Photos

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The Research Vessel Seward Johnson stationed at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Ft. Pierce, Florida.

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The crew faced rough seas during the CATALYST ONE mission off Florida's east coast.

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The back deck of the R/V Seward Johnson.

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Videographers Allan Farrell (left) and Jeremy Nicholson (center) capture footage of the CATALYST ONE crew at work.

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Videographers Allan Farrell and Jeremy Nicholson film CATALYST ONE team members as they deploy the REMUS.

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One of two AUVs ready to be retrieved.

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One of the two AUVs ready for launch.

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CATALYST ONE members retrieve the REMUS while Changing Seas Videographers Allan Farrell and Jeremy Nicholson capture the action on film.

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Sunset onboard the R/V Seward Johnson.

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CATALYST ONE team member Mike Purcell uses a harpoon-like device to retrieve the AUV.

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Experts perform routine maintenance checks and download information collected by the REMUS.

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The Waitt Institute for Discovery’s CATALYST program uses high-tech AUV’s, such as the REMUS 6000, for deep ocean research and exploration.

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The propeller of one of the AUVs sticks out from the storage unit as CATALYST ONE Lead Scientist John Reed looks on.

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Crew members and videographers from the CATALYST ONE mission peek over the edge as they wait for the retrieval of the AUV.

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Once an AUV has been retrieved, experts prepare to download the data it has collected at depth.

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Using a track, the REMUS is moved indoors to download the information it collected during its time underwater.

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Researchers and crew members aboard the R/V Seward Johnson eat and relax in the ship’s galley.

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Supplies and equipment are loaded onto the R/V Seward Johnson as Changing Seas Videographers Allan Farrell and Jeremy Nicholson capture the action on film.

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Videographer Allan Farrell prepares to film Captain George Gunther on the bridge of the R/V Seward Johnson.

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Series Producer Alexa Elliott and Videographer Jeremy Nicholson film Captain George Gunther during his tour of the R/V Seward Johnson.

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CATALYST ONE crew members carefully maneuver the REMUS back on board the R/V Seward Johnson.

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CATALYST ONE crew member Brennan Phillips (right) ensures the REMUS stays on its track.

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Videographer Allan Farrell holds on tight as he gets a close-up of the REMUS 6000.

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Changing Seas Videographer Jeremy Nicholson (right) stands by as CATALYST ONE crew members work near the ship’s A-frame.

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This AUV is nicknamed “Mary Ann,” of Gilligan’s Island fame.

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CATALYST ONE crew member Brennan Phillips leans over the REMUS as it’s prepared for launch.

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The AUV is slowly lowered into the ocean during the CATALYST ONE Mission.

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The AUV is slowly lowered into the ocean during the CATALYST ONE mission aboard the R/V Seward Johnson.

Special Thanks:

Royal Inn
222 Hernando Street
Hutchinson Island
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
(772) 672-8888

Budget Video Rentals
1825 NE 149 Street
Miami, FL 33181
(305) 945-8888

Image Credits

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

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Waitt Institute for Discovery

Oceana

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Brian Cousin
Jan Petri
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU

John Brooks
NOAA

Liz Smith
Cherie Prothro
Waitt Institute for Discovery

Erin Koenig
Stephanie Murphy
Erika Fitzpatrick
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Dianne Saenz
Margot Stiles
Oceana