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South
Carolina Aquarium Announces New
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In-Water
Research Program
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Research to take place in newly-designated
Marine Protected Areas
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Charleston,
SC – October 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / The South
Carolina Aquarium announces the start of South Carolina Aquarium Reef
Research. The Reef Research studies will be conducted in newly-designated
marine protected areas (MPAs) comprised of artificial reefs created by
the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
In partnership with SCDNR and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council,
the Aquarium has sponsored a site within the MPA, the South Carolina Aquarium
Reef Research Site at Area 51.
The
Aquarium Reef Site represents the benefits of MPAs, serving as both a refuge
for local marine life and part of a living laboratory space for South Carolina
Aquarium Reef Research. Critical scientific research that focuses on sustaining
a healthy, balanced ocean for future generations will occur within SCDNR’s
artificial reefs, including the Aquarium Reef Site.
“We’re
thrilled to support the state in this groundbreaking research initiative,
which will suggest new ways to protect vulnerable marine species from both
natural and man-made pressures,” said Kevin Mills, South Carolina Aquarium
President and CEO. “South Carolinians should be proud that their state
is the first in the nation to pioneer this innovative approach.”
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SCDNR
biologists established Areas 51 and 53 as experimental sites – artificial
reefs with little to no fishing pressure where they could study the abundance
of reef fish and document spawning behavior. Both reefs were established
on flat, sandy stretches of the seafloor, where staff added low-relief
concrete structures that mimic the profile of natural reef areas. Within
several years of construction, each site was home to much higher numbers
of fish than fished artificial reefs in similar water depths.
“We
created Area 51 and Area 53 about twenty years ago to specifically study
the dynamics of artificial reefs and how they can be used to enhance our
reef fish populations,” said Robert Martore, SCDNR’s Artificial Reef Coordinator.
“The new federal protections should increase the natural productivity in
these areas, further aiding our conservation efforts. Partnering with the
South Carolina Aquarium will allow us to expand our research activities
here, and the information we gather will enable us to create more effective
artificial reefs in the future.”
South
Carolina Aquarium Reef Research is made possible by the generosity of Scott
and Jordana Snider. Mr. Snider is a natural history filmmaker and a member
of the South Carolina Aquarium Board of Directors. His work takes him around
the world to film some of the most elusive and endangered animals on the
planet. Mrs. Snider is an accomplished wildlife photographer and works
closely with South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center staff as a
volunteer videographer. Together, the Sniders own Half Moon productions,
a film and photography studio based in Charleston, S.C.
The
pilot project under Reef Research will focus on the invasive lionfish population.
The South Carolina Aquarium will study the effects of lionfish removal
on local populations of snapper and grouper, species that compete with
lionfish for prey, to determine any changes to their abundancy and diversity.
About
the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources serves as the primary advocate
for and steward of the state’s natural resources. For more information,
visit dnr.sc.gov.
About
the South Carolina Aquarium
The
South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s
No. 1 family attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river
otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing
the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea.
Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents
sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits
and programs for visitors of all ages.
The
South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and
is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving
Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices
are: Toddlers (2 and under) free; Youth (3-12) $22.95; Adults (13+) $29.95.
For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474), or visit www.scaquarium.org.
Media
Contact:
Bethany
Morgan
South
Carolina Aquarium
843-579-8660 |
