National Marine Sanctuaries as Sentinel Sites for a Demonstration Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON): Remote Sensing of Dynamic Biogeographical Seascapes

Maria T Kavanaugh, Woods Hole, mkavanaugh@whoi.edu (Presenter)
Scott Doney, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, sdoney@whoi.edu
Frank Muller-Karger, University of South Florida, carib@usf.edu
Francisco Chavez, MBARI, chfr@mbari.org
Enrique Montes, University of South Florida, emontesh@mail.usf.edu
Steve Gittings, NOAA ONMS, steve.gittings@noaa.gov

We seek to provide knowledge about the biogeography relevant to the National Marine Sanctuaries of the U.S. using a framework for comparative analyses of ecosystems and for understanding natural and anthropogenic change within a particular system. We will establish a set of rules that define dynamic biogeographical regions. Comparisons across hierarchical ‘seascapes’, analogs to terrestrial landscapes and subunits within them, allow assessment of the interconnectedness of coastal habitats, the changes in physical and chemical properties of ocean water masses, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. We propose to merge satellite observations, surface and subsurface in situ observations, and models to classify dynamic, synoptic seascapes. The operational implementation of the seascape concept will be of critical importance to continuously assess and predict changes in habitat forced by climate change and resource use. The seascape concept is portable and will be applicable in other marine environments.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Theme 1: Tracking habitat change through new integrative approaches and products   (Mon 1:30 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Muller-Karger, Frank: National Marine Sanctuaries as Sentinel Sites for a Demonstration Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) ...details

Poster Location ID: 17