Document Type
Article
Abstract
The USACE Jacksonville District has identified a need to have the 1986 video dataset reviewed and analyzed for the possible presence of species of fisheries management interest. Preliminary review of the video records indicated possible tilefish (Malacanthidae) habitat evidenced by the presence of large burrows in soft substrate. The main objective of this project is to confirm or deny the presence of tilefish or tilefish burrows in the Miami ODMDS based on the 1986 video transects. In the event that the presence of tilefish is confirmed (based on video evidence), analyses will include an estimation of distribution and abundance within the ODMDS and surrounding area. If results suggest the absence of tilefish, then best scientific judgment will be used to suggest the organism(s) responsible for the mounds and burrows. In addition, habitat type and biota will be characterized to the degree possible based on the video. It must be noted that these videotape surveys were conducted 24 years ago and are not indicative of the current presence or absence of tilefish or the current presence of hard/live bottom or anthropogenic debris.
This report includes detailed analysis of the original videotapes with documentation of substrate, habitat, bioturbation, burrows, and fauna along with photographs (from video frame grabs). Results are illustrated spatially on figures generated using ArcView GIS software. This final report to the USCOE includes this hard copy and a DVD containing a PDF copy of this report with the complete videotape annotations (Appendix 2), and JPEG images from the video frame grabs documenting the dominant habitat types and fauna. This study is intended to provide a basis for further research into the occurrence of tilefish within the Miami ODMDS. In this way, it is hoped that future management decisions affecting the ODMDS and its economically important inhabitants can be made using sound scientific judgment.
Publication Date
2010
Recommended Citation
This manuscript is an author version with the final publication available and may be cited as: Reed, J. K., & Seitz, J. (2010). Miami ocean-dredged material disposal site: tilefish (Malacanthidae) habitat identification and characterization study: US Army Corps of Engineers Publications (CIOERT Project # y2-5.3.1). Fort Pierce, FL: Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research & Technology.
Comments
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 1809.