Connectivity of Commercially Important Species between Mesophotic and Shalllow Coral Ecosystems

By Evan Tuohy M.S. Student Department of Marine Science University of Puerto Rico

Connectivity of Commercially Important Species between Mesophotic and Shalllow Coral Ecosystems

Through the use of mixed gas closed circuit rebreathers my research goals include the assessment of connectivity of commercially important species between mesophotic and shallow water coral ecosystems.  Research indicates that mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) may serve as critical habitat for economically important species that undergo ontogenetic shifts in habitat use throughout different life stages.  Using acoustic tagging, I plan to explore the spatial and temporal variability of these species within and between MCEs to better understand these shifts in mesophotic habitat utilization.