Topic
Deep Sea Corals
Beautiful Corals in Gulf of Mexico
The recent ECOGIG dives focused on examining the continuing effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on corals in the Gulf of Mexico. Using a combination of sampling and high resolution imagery (taken with a specially adapted camera called BEAST CAM), scientists are analyzing growth rates and chemical impacts on the corals from both the oil and dispersants used to combat the oil spill. The same corals are imaged every year.