the File - American Academy of Underwater
Transcription
the File - American Academy of Underwater
THE SLATE American Academy of Underwater Sciences 430 Nahant Road Nahant, MA 01908 ISSUE 3 A News Publication of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences 2003 WHAT’S IN THE WORKS • DSO Meeting 10–11th March • Bubble Breaker • Welcome Reception • Symposium 12–13th March • Dive Opportunity • Raffle • Socials & Workshops • Final banquet at the fabulous Aquarium of the Pacific California State University, Long Beach AAUS 23rd Annual Diving for Science Symposium 2004 Watch our Web site for details! www.aaus.org We are very excited to be holding our 23rd Annual Diving for Science Symposium in lovely Long Beach, California, 10–13 March, 2004, hosted by California State University, the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Sciences, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Diving Safety Officer’s Meeting will be held on Catalina Island at the Wrigley Institute on March 10–11. We have a lot of great stuff planned, so please make your arrangements to join us…this symposium is just seven short months away! More to come, so visit the AAUS Web site, http://www.aaus.org, for updates. Looking forward to seeing all of you in Long Beach! ABOUT LONG BEACH The temperature averages 74°F year round and averages about 345 days of sunshine. TRAVEL Wrigley Institute for Environmental Sciences, Catalina Island HOTEL RESERVATIONS & RATES 2 Discover the warmth, charm, and hospitality of the Ayres Hotel at Seal Beach, a European-style boutique hotel. You’re just minutes from some of the most challenging golf courses in Southern California. Place your bet on a winner at Los Alamitos Race Track. See the ocean at Seal Beach Pier. Board the Queen Mary in Long Beach. See everything under the ocean at the new Aquarium of the Pacific! Long Beach is easily reached by flying into one of three airports: Long Beach Airport (LGB) (www.lgb.org/ content/fltSched.htm); Los Angeles International (LAX) (www.los-angeleslax.com/airlines.html); or John Wayne Airport (SNA) (www.ocair.com/). For driving directions, see www.mapquest.com/ Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach AAUS 2003 Election Results The 2003 AAUS election is history and was a benchmark for AAUS. This was the first use of an electronic ballot and the first time nominations were received and vetted using the AAUS Web page. It was a successful nominating process: the number of people participating was much higher than in the past. Previously, the Nominations Committee chairman would be like the Maytag repairman: “Nobody ever called.” The move to the Web site was very popular. We had 13 people nominated for Board of Directors, two for Secretary, and three for the President Elect. In a few cases, different members nominated the same person for one or more positions. It was a positive surprise, and I was very pleased not to cast a net to find candidates. The election via the Web page was not without a few challenges. The procedure was to log into the AAUS Web page, select the “Individual Members” corner, and then select the ballot and vote. A few members had trouble finding the ballot, and we tried to assist them so they could cast their vote. The final tally showed that 48 percent of the eligible members voted. The race was very competitive for Board of Directors. The top five were locked in a horse race. The winners were as follows. Douglas Kesling (National Undersea Research Center, University of North Carolina at Wilmington), won the most votes and will serve a three-year term. Second place went to Cheryl Thacker (University of Florida); Cheryl will be serving for two years. Third place went to Gavin Wuttken (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institution); Gavin will serve for one year. Vallorie Hodges (Oregon Coast Aquarium) is the incoming Secretary and will replace herself (I want to be around when the outgoing Secretary passes on the minutes to the newly elected—left hand to right hand). The President Elect is Steve Sellers (East Carolina University); Steve serves as the President Elect for two years and President for two years. We congratulate the new officers and directors and wish them success and wisdom to keep the AAUS ship afloat and on course. We thank all of the members who participated in nominating, ran for office, and turned out for the election. We hope that those who were willing to serve but did not get elected will remain dedicated members. Remember that there are ways to be involved even if you are not elected: serve on committees, write to the President and BOD regarding issues you deem important, and host and participate in regional as well as annual meetings. Thank you, membership! Your actions indicate that there is strong interest in AAUS. I also thank the current officers and board members for their support in bringing the nomination and election process into the 21st Century. PS—We did not find any ballots that had hanging chads; sorry, Catherine. If you have specific suggestions for improving the nomination and election process, the Board would be pleased to receive them. Send your comments to the President or to me; I will be glad to pass them on. If you were a candidate for office and feel slighted that I did not call to personally congratulate you or offer condolences, I apologize. This summer was a very busy travel and field-work period for me. It was difficult to call, although I tried to contact several of those who were elected and was able to leave a voice message on the answering machine. If anyone would like the actual count for the election, please contact me. The count will also be published in the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting. Live free and enjoy the planet— Sincerely, Walter C. Jaap Chair, Nominating & Election Committee AAUS DIVING OFFICER MEETING OM COMPLIANCE Beginning with the 2004 membership year, any Organizational Member who is more than one year out of compliance will need to reapply as a new applicant. —William E. Dent, President— American Academy of Underwater Sciences 10 October 2003 • 1:30 pm EDST* University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149 Contact Rick Riera-Gomez, TEL 305 361-4107, rgomez@rsmas.miami.edu, FAX 305 361-4174, to offer agenda items. *Time may differ. Confirm at AAUS booth 910 at DEMA and arrange for transportation. 3 Underwater Methods for Sampling Distribution and Abundance of Smallmouth Bass in North Temperate Lakes Karl W. Mueller, Don P. Rothaus, and Kurt L. Fresh Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, Washington 98501 Traditional lake fishery investigations use an assortment of potentially harmful or lethal gear types (e.g., electrofishing boats or gillnets) to assess fish distribution and abundance. Direct observation while scuba diving or snorkeling provides a non-destructive alternative to traditional exploitative methods. Furthermore, direct observation allows real-time recording of individual or group movement, behavior, and habitat associations (Fig. 1). When combined with spatial analysis tools such as GIS (geographical information system), differential GPS (global position- Fig. 1. Smallmouth bass swimming near a WDFW diver in Lake Washington. Divers’ ing system), and side- bubbles had little effect on smallmouth scan sonar-imaging of bass behavior. (Photo by Don P. Rothaus) the bottom, divers’ observations can be used to generate three-dimensional maps of their subject’s habitat use. In recent years, researchers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) combined multiple layers of information from these technologies to explore smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) selection of natural (e.g., boulders or submersed woody debris) vs. artificial structure (e.g., docks and pilings) and to assess the spatial and temporal overlap between predaceous smallmouth bass and their prey, including juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in two urban lakes. Lake Washington and neighboring Lake Union support one of the premiere smallmouth bass fisheries in Washington State. In fact, Lake Washington is quickly becoming nationally recognized as a tournament destination. The lakes, which are connected via Union Bay and the Montlake Cut, lie in the heart of the greater Seattle metropolitan area (Fig. 2). Nearshore development in Lake Washington is almost completely comprised of urban residential lakefront properties, whereas the shoreline of Lake Union is used principally for commercial purposes. Stationary and floating docks 4 are widespread and reported to harbor piscine predators, forming a gauntlet for migratory juvenile salmonids. However, few studies of the lakes’ smallmouth bass resources have been conducted, especially the impact of smallmouth bass on resident fish. Information on smallmouth bass habitat use or empirical studies of spatial and temporal overlaps with threatened native species such as chinook salmon are lacking. To rectify this, WDFW conducted a study of the distribution and habitat use of smallmouth bass in the littoral zones of Lake Washington and Lake Union. The study was conducted May–August 2000–2002. Dive operations were carried out over 3–4 consecutive days each month of the study period. Smallmouth bass distribution and abundance were investigated at several (n = 19) 1,000-ft sections of shoreline around Lake Washington and Lake Union. These sites were historically used by WDFW as beach seining locations for the study of outmigrating juvenile chinook salmon, but they also included areas that partially overlapped, or were located within, waterfront park boundaries (i.e., undeveloped shoreline) or other possible salmonid migration routes. In this way, we hoped to assess not only the temporal and spatial overlap between smallmouth bass and juvenile chinook salmon but also the impact of shoreline development (e.g., docks and pilings) on smallmouth bass distribution and abundance. In 2000, prior to starting dive operations, eight study locations were mapped using side-scan sonar technology. A 5-ft, 600-khz towfish with 246 ft maximum range was towed behind a 24-ft aluminum workboat (Innerspace Exploration Team, Mill Creek, WashingFig. 2. View of Lake Union and Montlake Cut area north of downtown Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Karl W. Mueller) Fig. 3. Side-scan sonar image showing submerged structure (natural and artificial) in littoral zone of Lake Washington. The white border starting at the upper right quadrant of the image marks the shoreline. Note the large log and woody debris at left. The white dots and vertical black streaks are dock pilings and shadows cast by the side-scan sonar. The narrow, dark shadow extending from the shoreline into the lake is from a boat at the surface tied to a dock. An inset bulkhead is visible at the top center. (Photo by Crayton Fenn, Innerspace Exploration Team) ton) following the 30-ft isobath at ~2.5 knots. The towfish scanned the bottom from the vessel shoreward with readings processed using Marine Sonic® software. The resulting imagery revealed several submerged structures and features (Fig. 3), both natural and artificial, at each sample location that were “ground-truthed” by divers during subsequent dives. Standardized transects were performed by two divers (Fig. 4) along three depth ranges (shallow [4–6 ft], middle [12–14 ft], and deep [18–22 ft]) at each sample location during morning Fig. 4. During the study, all underwater transects were (0900–1130) or afternoon (1330– performed by two WDFW 1600). Diel differences in smalldivers (Photo by Don P. Rothaus). mouth bass activity, distribution, and abundance were examined by performing dive transects at two locations during the morning (0900–1130), afternoon (1330–1600), and night (0030–0300). Changes in the vertical distribution and abundance of smallmouth bass were examined by including two additional isobaths (~50 ft and <4 ft) at two locations. During a survey, divers entered the water and descended a downline attached to a buoy that marked the beginning of the deepest transect line. Underwater visibility (lateral distance) was determined by one diver who selected an object at the limit of his vision and measured the distance from the downline to that object using a waterproof measuring tape. This distance was assumed to be the same for all transects within a Fig. 5. WDFW surface tender sample location and essentially positioning support vessel and GPS antenna over became the width of each tran- divers’ exhaust bubbles dursect for smallmouth-bass den- ing transects in Lake Washington. (Photo by Karl W. sity estimation purposes. Surface Mueller) tenders then positioned a 19-ft follow vessel over the divers’ bubbles to obtain the start point using a portable, onboard GPS unit. The GPS antenna was secured to a boom extending beyond the bow of the support vessel. This enabled the surface tender to more accurately position the antenna over the divers’ bubbles (Fig. 5). Divers swam side-by-side, maintained a relatively constant rate of forward motion, and used the depth contour bounds to guide them along a given transect. In areas of flat or low-slope bottoms, it was often necessary to use a Fig. 6. WDFW divers swimming a shallow transect parcompass bearing in conjunc- along allel to shore in Lake Washingtion with the depth bounds so ton. (Photo by Karl W. Mueller) that the transect stayed generally parallel to shore (Fig. 6). The support vessel shadowed the divers along each transect, holding a position slightly behind to avoid possible fish disturbance. The support vessel was equipped with an electric outboard motor capable of maneuvering 360°. The electric motor was also used to eliminate any possible noise disturbance associated with a standard gasoline outboard motor. Divers were in constant verbal communication with each Fig. 7. Topside WDFW surother and the surface tenders face tender communicatusing a wireless, voice activated ing with submerged divers while recording their obsercommunication system. When vations in Lake Union. smallmouth bass or submerged (Photo by Karl W. Mueller) structure were encountered alone or collectively, the divers stopped, hailed the support vessel to obtain their position using the GPS unit, and gave a brief description of their observations. Diver observations were recorded topside by a surface tender (Fig. 7) and included a visual estimation of fish size (small [<10” total length or TL), medium [10–15” TL], and large [>15” TL] relative to the 18” length of a hand-held underwater slate; Fig. 8), behavior (swimming, sheltering, guarding nest, etc.), and position relative to structure or substrate. Furthermore, the surface tenFig. 8. WDFW divers monitored depth der recorded bottom depth (ft), and time, navigated, structure (woody debris, vegetation, and visually estimated the size of rip-rap, dock, etc.), and substrate smallmouth bass en- classifications (mud, sand, gravel, countered during transects using a etc.) (Fig. 9), and, when present, the hand-held underwanumber of young-of-year smallmouth ter slate. (Photo by bass (Fig. 10) as indicated by the Don P. Rothaus) continued on page 12 5 AAUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Studying the Ecology of Benthic Algivores in Lake Tanganyika Peter B. McIntyre, PhD Candidate, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University biomass to levels rarely observed on Lake Tanganyika is a spectacular setunprotected rocks. So which herbiting for underwater research. High vores suppress algal accumulation visibility and a diverse fauna of enso strongly? demic animals make research divI used size-selective exclusion exing both fun and rewarding, and it is periments to address this issue. Some often difficult to focus on mundane tasks instead of fish watching. The Eretmodus cyanostictus, one of the en- algivore species are small-bodied, Tanganyikan fishes are truly remark- demic ‘goby’ cichlids of Lake Tanganyika. whereas others are much larger; thus, These small (<10 cm) rock-grazers reach able, including around 200 species of high densities in the surf zone. The spiny plastic cages of different mesh sizes cichlids, catfishes, spiny eels, and eel (Aethiomastacembelus platysoma) can restrict access to experimental hunts for invertebrates and small fishes. substrates on the basis of body size. many other taxa. Ongoing studies of After growing algae on ceramic substrates protected snails, crabs, and ostracods are revealing startling diby small mesh (1.3 cm2 holes), I compared the rate of versity in these groups as well, but we are only beginning to understand how all of these species interact. algae removal from substrates protected by four difThe littoral zone is particularly interesting because a maferent mesh sizes (1.3, 3.6, 10.8, 25.3 cm2 holes) or no jority of Tanganyika’s species are restricted to shallow mesh at all. With each increase in mesh size, a larger waters around the edge of the lake. Benthic algal subset of the herbivore assemblage could reach the productivity appears to fuel the littoral food web, and substrates, yet less than half of the maximum cona scholarship from AAUS has supported my dissertation sumption rate was realized when 10.8 cm2 holes alresearch on the algivore community. lowed access by most invertebrates and small fishes. Algivores play a critical role in aquatic food webs This pattern suggests that large fishes are the dominant by harvesting the energy and nutrients captured by algal consumers. Indeed, when I removed the cages plants and making them available to in these experiments, fishes usually higher trophic levels. In most temperate stripped almost all of the algae within freshwaters, invertebrates are the prian hour—far faster than invertebrates mary herbivores, but tropical systems appear capable of responding. In adoften contain numerous algae-eating dition, the biomass density of algaefishes in addition to an array of insects, eating fishes is 2500% that of snails. snails, and crustaceans. A major goal These experimental and observational of my work is to compare the relative data indicate that fishes are probably influence of fishes and invertebrates on Plastic mesh was used to exclude the most important algae-eaters in the herbivores from experimental subbenthic algal biomass and productiv- strates. Four mesh sizes and an un- Tanganyikan littoral zone. ity in Lake Tanganyika. This involves using protected control treatment granted Part of the difference between fishes experiments and observations to test access to nested subsets of the her- and invertebrates in their effects on bivore assemblage. The results of exwhich taxa consume the most algae, cluding fishes were already evident algal stocks may result from food prefand stable isotopes to compare the when this photo was taken, less than erences. Unfortunately, the difficulty of an hour after the experiment began. identifying algae from gut contents of diets of algivore species. Despite abundant sunlight in the littoral zone, algae many taxa complicates direct comparisons. Stable rarely accumulate on rock surfaces. Dissolved nutrients isotope analysis offers an alternative way to compare are scarce, and experiments demonstrate that bendiets among benthic algivores. The abundance of light thic algae grow more rapidly when the nutrient pool and heavy stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and is supplemented. However, the rapid increase in algal other elements in consumer tissues reflects dietary pataccumulation when herbivores are excluded by externs over months or years. Differences among food perimental cages is even more striking. Protecting a sources in their isotopic composition are conserved as substrate for only five days results in a doubling of algal the material is assimilated by animals, allowing infer- 6 yield a much more detailed underences about the nature and extent of standing of algivore ecology than trophic differences among species. would otherwise be possible. I am using stable isotope analysis to Research on the role of benthic assess the degree of dietary differentialgae in the food web is desperately ation among benthic herbivores. This needed in Lake Tanganyika. Along involves comparing the isotope signamuch of the shoreline, the littoral zone tures of diatoms and filamentous is being covered by silt following cyanobacteria, the two dominant groups of algae on rock surfaces, to Fishes were excluded in all but the removal of natural vegetation for fuel those of the 25 or so herbivorous fishes largest mesh size and the open treat- and farming. This has negative effects ment; hence the results suggest that and snails found at my study site. Al- they are the dominant algal con- on the foraging of snails and fishes and though this component of my work is still sumers in the rocky littoral zone of is associated with reduced diversity of fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans. in progress, the preliminary results sug- Lake Tanganyika. Millions of people rely on fish protein and clean water gest that it will be fruitful. Five endemic snail genera fell from the lake; hence, habitat degradation may have into two trophic groups, most likely representing speprofound negative consequences for its unique fauna cialized consumers of diatoms and cyanobacteria, and its human dependents alike. My projects will clarify respectively. As I analyze more samples, I hope to diswhich species are most likely to be affected by sedicover whether comparable groupings are evident in ment-induced changes in the algal community and fishes, and whether these indeed match the isotope what effects this may have on the food web. I am signatures of the algal groups. I am also collaborating grateful to AAUS for supporting my underwater with researchers from Finland to collect a parallel data research, and I also thank the many collaborators and set for fatty acids, a second type of conservative students that have provided critical assistance with tracer of diet. Combining these indirect methods with this work. observations of gut contents and foraging behavior will Scholarship Fund Raffle Prize AAUS CORPORATE SPONSOR DELTA P VR-3 DIVE COMPUTER A VR-3 dive computer, donated by manufacturer-marketer Delta P Technology, will be raffled to raise AAUS scholarship funds. Tickets are $10 each. Only 200 tickets will be sold, or until the drawing at DEMA, October 10, 2003, whichever comes first. Chances of winning are at least one chance in 200 per raffle ticket. Tickets may be purchased from the AAUS Web page (www.aaus.org) and will be sold at the DEMA show, AAUS booth 910. Please help support the AAUS Scholarship Program by purchasing tickets. To obtain details about the dive computer, please go to www.vr3.co.uk. 7 The entrance to Mystery Cave, Exumas, Bahamas. Waterfront development in the Bahamas is threatening the stability of these blue holes. Activities such as dredging and waterfront construction greatly increase sedimentation rates within the blue holes. This event is effectively “sandblasting” benthic species, several of which are unique to the cave environment and have not been studied until very recently. Photo © M. Lombardi. MARINE CAVE SYSTEMS unveiling significant natural resources and a fragile community Michael Lombardi, President Applied Subsea Technologies Inc., 95 Hathaway Center, Suite 5, Providence, RI 02907; tel 401-941-3646, cell 401226-1875, www.appliedsubsea.com, appliedsubtech@juno.com Marc Slattery, PhD University of Mississippi, Department of Pharmacognosy PO Box 1848, University, MS 38677-1848; tel 662-915-1053, slattery@olemiss.edu Recent interests in not only exploring but also conducting science in extreme environments have opened the door to new and innovative manners of thinking about marine science. While “technical diving’ is still a very new tool for diving scientists, it has certainly provided access to unique areas of our ocean that have never been observed first hand by divers in a manned-diving operation. Of interest are deep reefs (Lombardi et al., The SLATE, October 2002) and cave systems. Access to these environments is extremely challenging because training opportunities within the scientific community are limited, and liability issues are often a concern because developing institutional standards for diving in these areas are works in progress. Also, conducting very detailed dive plans/profiles and carrying out scientific tasks can be challenging. Despite these ongoing issues, the theme of “access” is a criti- 8 cal one. This was the foundation from which all of the marine sciences evolved. The next step, to access deeper depths or more challenging habitats (i.e., caves), is a natural evolution of our personal curiosities and will open the next door in our scientific pursuits. These extreme areas do play significant roles in the ocean’s entirety; however, scientists are just beginning to identify their critical resources. Dr. Marc Slattery of the University of Mississippi has been interested in chemical ecology of cave sponges for several years. This work has been conducted through the Caribbean Marine Research Center on Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas. Chemical ecology studies are often a first step in identifying “natural products” in the environment that may be useful in the biotech/biomedical community. By discovering and understanding the unique species in the cave environment, we can develop a case for tery Cave is a community preserving these resources, that has been severely imbecause potential for dispacted by anthropogenic coveries, such as new anstress. These unique marine tibiotics, may be hidden habitats are not visible to within the depths of these the layperson, and so they unexplored areas. are often overlooked and The blue holes of the Bataken for granted when in hamas of interest have fact these areas, never yielded 42 species of mahaving had their resources rine sponges, of which apexploited, potentially harproximately half are bor significant discoveries estimated to be new and and should become the not previously described for focus of more scientific science. Of these, 17 have studies. been targeted for further CMRC and its collaboinvestigation at the Narative group of scientists intional Center for Natural terested in the next era of Products Research. Again, true ocean exploration providing “access” to these environments is just as im- Researcher Marc Slattery collecting sponges from Mystery recognize that a pioneerCave, Exumas. Photo © M. Lombardi. ing effort to open the doors portant as the science itto technological advancements is the critical next self. Development of technology and techniques step. The pursuit of science in new frontiers requires an married with science is allowing new discoveries to be equal, if not more, emphasis on development of divmade at an amazing rate. ing technology, techniques, and theories alongside the Our drug discovery efforts in the caves have inscience itself. In the aftermath of the recent STS-107 Cocluded a focus on Mystery Cave, Stocking Island Harlumbia space shuttle tragedy, there is a heightened bor, Exumas, since we noted selective antifungal public interest in the understanding of exploration. activity of sponge extracts collected from this cave in Our “innerspace” is Earth’s last unexplored frontier, 1999. In August 2002, we received word that dredging and when asked “why?!?” we put our lives on the line was planned in the fall for the Stocking Island Harbor. as researchers in these often unforgiving environments, Because this provided an opportunity to study the stathe answer is simple: true exploration is driven by a pasbility of and potential anthropogenic impact on this sion for science that was inspired by the potential for cave, we conducted a preliminary survey of the cave discovery. This passion and inspiration leads us to exlooking at distribution and abundance of all sponges ceed and redefine physical, psychological, and physin three zones (zone 1: mouth of cave back to about iological limits in very non-routinely accessed areas of 50 m; zone 2: 50 m back to about 100 m; zone 3: 100 our ocean, much like our colleagues pursing outerm back to 150 m). These zones coincide with 1) a space exploration…for one common purpose…HOPE sponge fauna that is dominated by reef immigrants, that one day our efforts and results will open the doors 2) a transitional fauna including reef species and caveto discovery, and humanity will reap the benefits of adapted species, and 3) a cave-adapted fauna, rethese explorations for generations. spectively. In January 2003, following dredging operations, we noted a 56% sponge biomass loss and 31% sponge biomass loss in zones 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, 5/12 sponge species and 7/23 Applied Subsea Technologies Inc. is a newly estabsponge species were scoured out of zone 1 and 2, relished science/technology firm based in southern New spectively. Although there was little change in the surEngland. AST provides scientific dive support and has face cover or species assemblage in zone 3, silt done so at all depths and in all habitats on a global scale build-up was noted that potentially would begin to from New England, to the Caribbean, to the Antarctic. choke out sponges near the base of the walls. Sub-samAST also offers training opportunities for advanced modes ples of sponges from all zones were collected to look of diving and is committed to developing present techat biochemical stress responses over the course of the nological capabilities to efficiently support and conduct next several months at the University of Mississippi. marine science in rarely accessed habitats. Check us Nonetheless, it is clear from our field surveys that Mysout online! www.appliedsubsea.com 9 May Cruise Florida Middle Ground CAN 14 PEOPLE SURVIVE ADVERSE CONDITIONS WITH THREE DIVING SAFETY OFFICERS ON BOARD? The Florida Middle Ground (FMG) is a remote reef system located approximately 100–120 nautical miles northwest of Tampa Bay in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. In May, we had an opportunity to dive there, thanks to the convergence of funding and cooperation from multiple institutions and people. The team included Carl Beaver (Florida Marine Research Institute, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [FMRI]), Mike Dardeau (Dauphin Island Sea Lab [DISL]), Mike Callahan (FMRI), Felicia Coleman (Florida State University [FSU]), George Dennis (US Fish and Wildlife Service), Lance Horn (University of North Carolina, Wilmington, National Undersea Research Center), Tom Hopkins (DISL, retired), Walt Jaap (FMRI), Jim Kidney (FMRI), Chris Koenig (FSU), Matthew Lybolt (FMRI), Anne McCarthy (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary), Sherry Reed (Smithsonian Institution Field Station, Fort Pierce), George Schmahl (Flower Gardens Bank National Marine Sanctuary). Operations were staged off a commercial, liveaboard diving vessel. The principal motivations for choosing the vessel were its Nitrox filling system and its price. My parents often told me you get what you pay for; in retrospect, I should have been more attentive to these words of wisdom. Adversity was the operative word on the first leg. We awoke very early the first morning to a fire in the engine room. The crew extinguished it quickly, and then we learned that the engine crankcases were filled with seawater because of an exhaust-system malfunction. The crew fixed the problem, 10 Walt Jaap and by late afternoon, we were under way again. Felicia and Chris had a Satellite phone so that we could advise our institutions that we were in a bit of a fix; that phone was essential for our safety. We were attempting to dive and use an ROV to examine reef sites that were researched extensively in the early 1970s. At first we used station coordinates based on converted LORAN C data, but we found that they were inaccurate. We tossed a marker buoy on the coordinate number, but the divers descended the buoy line only to find themselves on sand and rubble. After three attempts, we gave up this tactic and asked the captain to use the fathometer to search for the topographic features; however, the fathometer did not work. Third option—launch the ROV and use it to survey and find the reefs. Lance Horn was a master at operating the ROV, and we eventually located the structures, marked the place, and deployed the divers. Once we solved this problem, we were hit by a big bad squall with high winds and seas. We retreated to St. Pete to lick our wounds and repair the ROV. After 24 hours, we reluctantly went back out. On the second leg of the operation, we finally got lucky. We were blessed with good weather for sampling, and we dove on six sites. Our great bunch of workaholics sampled algae, octocorals, stony corals, and sponges and photographed and video-documented the reefs. The data was rolling in with still photography, diver video, abundance data from quadrats, ROV video, and digital still photos. We conducted over 100 dives in depths from 85 to 120 ft. Scientific Diver Training at US EPA Dan C. Marelli supplied diving, and dry The United States Environsuit diving. Training for the mental Protection Agency six Divemasters covered (EPA) held their annual supervising scientific diving diver training at the Gulf sites, diving administration, Ecology Laboratory in Gulf advanced accident manBreeze, Florida, May 12– agement, oxygen admin16. This training is mandaistration, and field repair of A scientific diver candidate tory for all EPA divers or Surface-supplied dive team diving equipment. Presen- enters the water as team memconducting surface pre-dive divers who work on EPA checks. tations were also made by bers wait below. contracts and certifies sucEPA scientists on the EPA role in the search for wreckcessful candidates as Scientific Divers or Divemasters. age from the space shuttle Columbia in Toledo Bend Any EPA diving operation requires the presence of an reservoir (Texas) and in the recovery of ilEPA-trained Divemaster. Training was conlegally dumped toxic materials in Kokomo ducted by Dan Marelli, Jeff Lane, and Jequarry, Indiana. remy Ables of the Florida State University Scientific diver candidates worked in Academic Diving Program and was adteams throughout the week on a variety ministered by Jim Patrick, training officer of tasks that fostered team-building and for the EPA diving program; Jed Campbell; confidence as scientific divers. Divemasand the EPA Diving Safety Board. Diver candidates represented the US Divemaster candidate admin- ters were tasked with supervising the dive EPA, the Florida Department of Environ- isters emergency oxygen to a site, including dive planning, timekeeping, all aspects of diver safety, and remental Protection, and several law en- “victim.” sponse to incidents. Each Divemaster also experienced forcement dive teams. The 20 Scientific Diver at least one unannounced scenario that required candidates received academic training in advanced action to correct or manage. All candidates sucdiving physics and physiology, first aid for diving cessfully completed the coursework and diving tasks. accidents, diving accident management, oxygen administration, nitrox diving, full-face mask, surface- Things on our vessel were still not the ideal we had bargained for. The air conditioning was not producing, the fresh-water-maker broke down, and Felicia’s laptop computer was doused with salt water (defective hatch seal) and died. The Nitrox blending system was producing very low mixes, 29 percent in many cases. There was a certain stench from a malfunctioning sewage tank and vent. The cruise was successful because of the competence and tolerance of the researchers. They got the work done in spite of hardships and obstacles. Based on data we collected and compared with the 1970s baseline, we found that the Florida Middle Ground has retained its character. The benthic community is very similar to the early community descriptions that looked at the algae, sponges, corals, and fish. George and Chris are pleased because they may have discovered a new species of parrotfish. We collected a few specimens and multiple images of this fish in its favored habitat. The grouper and snapper populations are depleted, and we suspect that commercial and recreational fishing has caused the population decline. We saw little evidence of fishing gear on the bottom, but fishing vessels were very common; one or more were in our vicinity at all times. We thank all of those that helped and made this operation a success. Now comes the difficult part of writing this up for the science. 11 continued from page 5 divers. To ensure independence of fish counts between transects, divers recognized individual fish and groups of fish by scars or fin anomalies, size, and relFig. 9. Direct observation by WDFW ative position within the divers allowed classification of structure, aquatic vegetation, and substrate transect (Fig. 11). The lattype(s) at study locations. Pictured here ter was used to discern is a wall above the dredge channel at Webster Point, Lake Washington. whether fish migrated (Photo by Don P. Rothaus) between depth contours. In all cases, divers conferred with each other to make sure fish were counted only once. The transect was complete when divers encountered the downline from a second buoy that was 1,000 ft from the first buoy (as determined by laser rangefinder) marking the end point of the deep transect line. At this point, divers verbally called out the transect-end water temperature (°F) as shown on their consoles, then swam directly inshore to a point within the middle depth range. This then became the start point of the middle transect, which was completed after swimming along the middle depth range in the opposite direction and inshore from the first (deep) tran- AAUS CORPORATE SPONSOR Our WorldUnderwater Scholarship Society ® The Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society® —a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation— promotes educational opportunities associated with the underwater world. www.owuscholarship.org info@owuscholarship.org donations@owuscholarship.org 200 E. Chicago Avenue, Suite 40, Westmont, IL 60559 Phone 630-986-6990 • Fax 630-986-8098 12 sect line. The third and shallowest transect was directly inshore of the other two, the divers following the same direction as the deep transect line. Scuba diving and snorkeling have been used in freshwater fisheries management for decades. Direct observation can answer questions concerning the distribution and abundance, seasonal movements and home ranges, microhabitat use, reproduction, and behavior of a variety of species. For example, during the 1960s, Arkansas research divers observed tagged black bass (Micropterus spp.) to gain knowledge of their territories, home ranges, and the occurrence of multiple spawning by Fig. 10. Juvenile smallmouth bass seekindividual fish. During the ing refuge inside bark of submerged 1970s, Michigan re- cut-log in Lake Washington. (Photo by Don P. Rothaus) search divers determined the seasonal distribution and abundance of several warm-water fish species in a fish community dominated by bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus). In Massachusetts, population estimates for pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) were more reliable and took fewer man-hours to complete when diving was compared to electrofishing. In New York, one researcher examined the diel activity patterns of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) while diving. We used underwater methods to evaluate monthly changes in the density and size structure, size-specific selection of natural vs. artificial structure, and nest-site characteristics of smallmouth bass at several locations around Lake Washington and Lake Union. Integrating Fig. 11. Smallmouth bass hovering over the fine substrate off Webster Point, GIS, GPS, side-scan Lake Washington. Note the split anal sonar, and direct obser- fin. WDFW divers were able to recognize individual fish using anomalies vation should provide such as this to ensure independence fish counts. (Photo by Don P. maps of smallmouth bass between Rothaus) distribution and abundance that will benefit resource managers and anglers alike. For example, resource managers with regulatory authority over shoreline development will find this information useful when evaluating new dock construction or placement of submerged structures. Knowing the distribution, habitat preferences, and timing of onshore movements of smallmouth bass should improve the opportunity for anglers to land this prized gamefish, especially given the combined size of Lake Washington and Lake Union. AAUS/ASHI First Aid Training AAUS has become a training center for the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI). ASHI has all the programs and materials needed to comply with AAUS/ OSHA First Aid training requirements. As part of our agreement, AAUS member organizations receive a 10% discount on training materials and the $15 Instructor fee is waived. CPR/First Aid Instructors can cross over to ASHI by completing an Instructor Agreement. ASHI also has agreements with NAUI and YMCA. AAUS can conduct Instructor Training Courses for DSOs needing certification. ASHI training materials are concise, thorough, inexpensive, comply with the most recent AMA guidelines for first aid training, and are nationally recognized. Recently, ASHI developed a new one-day training program called Essentials. The Essentials program contains training modules for Adult CPR, AED, supplemental oxygen administration, blood-borne pathogens, and basic first aid. I used this program for scientific diver training this past June and found it to be adequate for the needs of AAUS with some minor additions. The supplemental oxygen administration module is minimal and does not cover using a demand valve system to deliver 100% oxygen as would be required for Decompression Illness or Near Drown- Ted Maney ing. This can easily be added as well as specific treatment of other diving injuries in the first aid module. Presently, AAUS does not require AED training, but this module is easy to run and is critical for reviving someone requiring CPR. Many agencies have added AED training into their professional rescuer programs and at least expose first aid responders to AEDs in community programs. Diver Alert Network (DAN) is also developing a oneday program called Diving Emergency Management Provider (DEMP), which consists of three modules: Emergency Oxygen Administration, AED, and First Aid for Diving. CPR is taught as a separate module. DAN is producing a single workbook and certification for DEMP. AAUS is a business member of DAN, and member organizations can purchase DAN Training materials at the business-member prices. For more information, contact these organizations: American Safety & Health Institute 4148 Louis Avenue, Holiday, FL 34691 1-800-682-5067, www.ashinstitute.org Divers Alert Network The Peter B. Bennett Center 6 West Colony Place, Durham, NC 27705 USA 1-877-532-667, www.diversalertnetwork.org CPSC, UWATEC Announce Recall of Smart Dive Computers WASHINGTON, DC—The US Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product UWATEC Smart Dive Computers Units 6,000 units Manufacturer UWATEC AG of Hallwil, Switzerland Hazard The computer’s alert signal system may not work properly, and the computer screen may freeze. This may cause inaccurate information to be displayed, such as water depth, tank pressure, and ascent rate, posing a risk to the safety of a diver. Incidents/Injuries The firm has received two reports of the dive computers not working properly, though no injuries have been reported. Description The recalled units are the UWATEC Smart PRO and the Smart COM dive computers. The Smart PRO is offered as a console and as a wrist unit. The Smart COM only comes in a console model. The names of each unit appear on the computer case, along with the name “UWATEC.” Sold at Authorized UWATEC dealers nationwide, February 2002 through June 2003, between $638 and $910. Manufactured in Switzerland Remedy Contact UWATEC for a free replacement. Consumer Contact Call UWATEC American representatives at (800) 808-3948 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or register on the web site at www.uwatec.com. Media Contact Cynthia Georgeson at (262) 631-6653 13 AAUS Member Organizations Aquarium of the Pacific Aquatic Research Interactive, Inc. Arizona State University Broward County, Florida, Department of Planning & Environmental Protection California Department of Fish & Game California State University Carmel High School Dauphin Island Sea Lab Duke University School of the Environment Marine Laboratory East Carolina University Florida International University Florida Marine Research Institute Florida State University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Humboldt State University J. F. White Contracting Company Loyola Marymount University Monterey Bay Aquarium Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Mote Marine Laboratory New York Aquarium NIWA New Zealand Northeastern University Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center OGI School of Science & Engineering Omaha Zoological Society Oregon Coast Aquarium Oregon State University Oregon Zoo PAL (The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc.) Pennsylvania State University R. Christopher Goodwin and Associates Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences Romberg Tiburon Center/San Francisco State University Saint Marys College of California San Diego State University Scripps Institution of Oceanography Seattle University Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Shoals Marine Laboratory Smithsonian Institution Stanford University Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas Parks and Wildlife The American National Fish and Wildlife Museum The Florida Aquarium The Oceanic Institute The Woods Hole Group Underwater Archaeology Branch University at Buffalo University of Alaska University of California, Davis University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Connecticut Marine Sciences and Technology Center University of Florida University of Guam, Marine Lab University of Hawaii University of Maine University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science University of Maryland College Park University of Miami/RSMAS University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Institute of Marine Sciences University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Rhode Island University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Texas at Austin University of Washington University System of Georgia Virginia Institute of Marine Science Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution AAUS Member Benefits 2003 Aquaflite Wetsuits—$10 off standard sizes, $20 off custom suits Best Publishing—10% discount on most retail prices Citizen Watch—HyperAqualand watches (contact Ted Maney for prices) AAUS Publications—20% discount Divers Alert Network (DAN)—Insurance coverage for scientific divers who are DAN members, have purchased additional member insurance coverage offered through DAN, and are diving under the auspices of an AAUS Organizational Member. CORPORATE SPONSORS Best Publishing Company 2355 N. Steves Blvd. PO Box 30100 Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0100 520-527-1055 fax 520-526-0370 divebooks@bestpub.com www.bestpub.com Delta P Technology PO Box 5088 Poole, Dorset, BH16 6WJ, UK 00 44 (0) 1202 624478 fax 00 44 (0) 1202 625308 www.vr3.co.uk sales@vr3.co.uk 14 Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society 200 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 40 Westmont, IL 60559 630-986-6990 fax 630-986-8098 info@owuscholarship.org www.owuscholarship.org donations@owuscholarship.org SHOW YOUR PRIDE AND COVER YOUR HIDE! We are proud to announce that AAUS gear is now in stock. All items carry the embroidered logo with AAUS spelled out. For a look-see, go to www.aaus.org. Golf Shirts Top quality Jerzees, 100% cotton, 6.5-oz. piqué, short sleeve. Medium through XXL: jade, maroon, navy, red. XXXL: maroon, navy, red. Medium through XXXL–$25. Blue Denim Shirts Camp Creek, short and long sleeve, 100% cotton, buttondown collar, one pocket, double-needle stitching. Medium through XXL–$25 for either sleeve length. Relaxed-fit Baseball Caps Tan or navy. AAUS logo on front. One size, adjustable back-strap. $10. Domestic shipping per item Golf shirt–$5. Denim shirt–$6. Hats–$3. Multiple items–$6. To purchase: send order and cash, check, money order, or Visa info to AAUS, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant MA, 01908. Fax: 781-581-6076. AAUS GEAR! Guide for Contributors to THE SLATE We need you! We cannot publish without you! Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your contributions. Please include a by-line with your name, affiliation, and contact info. Use the first author’s surname when naming the digital files (e.g., Smith.rtf; Smith_Fig1.tif). MicroSoft Word is preferred, either as .rtf (Rich Text Format) or .doc. We have PCs and Macs, so either platform is fine. Please do not construct tables using Table Editor. We can’t get them out, and our page layout program (Quark) won’t accept them. Send them as separate Word files. Please DO NOT EMBED your illustrations in the text file. Send them as separate files, preferably as TIFFs, JPEGs, or EPSs. For line art (i.e., black & white with no grays), a minimum resolution of 600 ppi is needed at the size you would like them to appear. For photos, the ideal resolution is 300 pixels per inch. Color is now very desirable for the PDF versions of THE SLATE that will be posted on our Web site. Photos will be converted to grayscale for the 2-color printed SLATE. Whenever possible, please send printed copies of your manuscript, tables, and line art figures. It shows us what any special characters should be and allows us to scan any text (through OCR) or figures whose files will not open. Floppies and 100-MB Zips are still welcome. We will return your Zip disks after copying your files. When recording your contribution on CD, please finalize or “close” your CD. Otherwise, no one else will be able to open it. You may e-mail files (or questions) to walt.jaap or llyn.french@fwc.state.fl.us. Thanks! We look forward to receiving your priceless prose! THE SLATE ADVERTISEMENT RATE SCHEDULE The Slate is published quarterly by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences Board of Directors. The newsletter carries announcements, articles on scientific diving, research, safety, technical issue updates, and book reviews. The current liaison is Walt Jaap. The AAUS Board of Directors reserves the right to reject advertisements on the basis of content and appropriateness to the mission of AAUS. The appearance of an advertisement in The Slate does not represent AAUS endorsement of equipment or the sales firm. Advertisers should include a check payable to AAUS. DISPLAY ADS (Grayscale-adaptable text & graphics. Need not be camera-ready; see below.) Display ad size (in inches) Full page (7 x 9.5) 1⁄ 2 page (horiz. 7 x 4.625; vert. 3.375 x 9.5) 1⁄4 page (horiz. 7 x 2.25; vert. 3.375 x 4.625) 1⁄ 8 page (vert. only; 3.375 x 2.25) One issue (US $) Four issues (US $) Corporate member 1 issue 4 issues Ad $225 prices are being revised to reflect$200 our format $800 $700 $125 change from tabloid $400 $100 $350 to magazine. $75 $200 $50 $175 CLASSIFIED ADS (LIMITED TO AAUS MEMBERS) Each member is entitled to one three-line classified ad per calendar year at no charge. Additional classified ads are $10 per three lines. Ads for sale of equipment, jobs, opportunities to dive on projects, and the like are suggested. Please send your advertisements (including check to AAUS) for The Slate to Walt Jaap, 273 Catalan Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33704 FAX: 727-894-6719; wkjaap@worldnet.att.net Direct questions regarding newsletter and ad production to Llyn French, 727/896-8626 ext 1104 (FMRI–FWC); llyn.french@fwc.state.fl.us or llynfr@earthlink.net 15 AAUS Board of Directors and Officers PRESIDENT William Dent Diving Safety Officer University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave., PED 214 Tampa, FL 33620 813-974-5018 Fax 813-974-4979 wdent@research.usf.edu STATISTICS CHAIR, WEBMASTER, & VIRTUAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Steve Sellers Diving Safety Officer East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4353 252-328-4041 Fax 252-328-4050 sellerss@mail.ecu.edu VICE PRESIDENT Gavin Wuttken Diving Safety Officer Volunteer Coordinator Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940 831-648-4800 Fax 831-644-7597 gwuttken@mbayaq.org DIRECTOR & MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR Douglas E. Kesling, BSN, DMT–A Training and Safety Coordinator National Undersea Research Center Univ. of North Carolina–Wilmington 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane Wilmington, NC 28409 910-962-2445 Fax 910-962-2410 keslingd@uncw.edu SECRETARY Vallorie Hodges Diving Safety Officer Oregon Coast Aquarium 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, OR 97365 541-867-3474 x5302 edofleini@yahoo.com valh@orcaq.org DIRECTOR & MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR Mark Flahan San Diego State University College of Sciences 5500 Campanile Dr. San Diego, CA 92182-4610 619-594-6799 Fax 619-594-7301 flahan@sciences.sdsu.edu TREASURER Ted Maney Marine Science Center Northeastern University East Point, Nahant, MA 01908 781-581-7370 x332 Fax 781-581-6076 e.maney@neu.edu STANDARDS CHAIR Samuel Sublett Diving Safety Officer University of Washington Hall Her Seattle, WA 981-95 206-543-7388 Fax 206-543-3351 sublett@u.washington.edu DIRECTOR & SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR Sherry A. Reed Unit Dive Officer Research Specialist Smithsonian Marine Station 701 Seaway Dr. Fort Pierce, FL 34949 772-465-6630 x144 Fax 772-461-8154 reed @sms.si.edu EDITOR, THE SLATE Walt Jaap Florida Marine Research Institute (Fish & Wildlife Conserv. Comm.) 100 8th Ave. SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5095 727-896-8626 x1122 Fax 727-893-1270 Walt.Jaap@fwc.state.fl.us AMERICAN ACADEMY OF UNDERWATER SCIENCES 430 Nahant Road Nahant, MA 01908 781-581-7370 x334 Fax 781-581-6076 aaus@neu.edu www.aaus.org JOIN AAUS! The American Academy of Underwater Sciences exists to promote safe and productive underwater scientific exploration and to advance the state of underwater technology The strength of the AAUS is its membership, those institutions and individuals that pursue scientific objectives beneath the water surface across the North American continent and beyond. If you are involved in scientific diving and underwater exploration, you should be a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. Join the AAUS and be a part of the scientific diving community. Learn and benefit from communications with your counterparts across the United States. Participate in the annual AAUS Symposium and workshops. Help create for yourself, your associates and staff the most efficient, productive, and safe scientific diving program possible. For membership information, contact American Academy of Underwater Sciences 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908 781-581-7370 ext 334 aaus@neu.edu www.aaus.org