ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137 

STUDY TITLE: Long-Term Monitoring at the East and West Flower Garden Banks

REPORT TITLE: Long-Term Monitoring at the East and West Flower Garden Banks: 

2004-2008. Volume I: Technical Report and Volume II: Appendices 

CONTRACT NUMBERS: 1435-01-04-CT-33137; M04PC00033 

SPONSORING OCS REGION: Gulf of Mexico 

APPLICABLE PLANNING AREA: Western 

FISCAL YEARS OF PROJECT FUNDING: 2004-2008 

COMPLETION DATE OF REPORT: December 2010 

COSTS: FY 2004: $244,559.00; FY 2005: $255,291.00; FY 2006: $199,976.00; FY 

2007: $269,672.00; FY 2008: $240,520.51 

CUMULATIVE PROJECT COST: $1,210,018.50 

PROJECT MANAGER: Don R. Deis 

AFFILIATION: PBS&J 

ADDRESS: 7406 Fullerton St. Suite 350 Jacksonville, FL 32256 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS*: W. Precht, R. Aronson, K.J.P Deslarzes, and L. 

Kaufman 

KEY WORDS: Gulf of Mexico, ecology, biology, coral, reef, monitoring, survey, East 

Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank, Montastraea annularis species 

complex 

BACKGROUND: The Flower Garden Banks (FGB) are located in the northwestern Gulf 

of Mexico and form part of a discontinuous arc of reef environments along the outer 

continental shelf. These coral reef banks are the largest charted calcareous banks in 

the northwestern Gulf of Mexico and are the northernmost coral reefs on the continental 

shelf of North America. Although coral and non-coral dominated communities exist on 

neighboring banks (e.g., Sonnier Bank, Stetson Bank), the reefs at Cabo Rojo, Mexico 

are the closest developed coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The topographic features of the FGB were created by salt diapirs of Jurassic Louann 

origin and the consequent uplifting of sedimentary rocks. The caps of these salt domes 

extend into the photic zone in clear, oceanic water where conditions are ideal for 

colonization by coralline algae, hermatypic corals, invertebrates, and fish species typical 

of Caribbean basin coral reefs. Coral species richness is lower at the FGB than on 
ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137 

Caribbean reefs with just 31 species of scleractinian corals. The FGB also supports 

over 250 species of reef invertebrates, over 80 species of marine algae, and 177 

species of tropical Atlantic fish. Oceanic salinity conditions prevail at the FGB and 

range from 28 to 38 ppt, with water temperatures ranging from 19°C (February/March) 

to ~ 31°C (August/September). Water clarity at the FGB is excellent, commonly 30 m or 

more, providing light to photosynthetic organisms. 

Since 1973, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) has conducted a program of 

protective activities at the FGB. The topographic features stipulation was designed to 

protect sensitive biological resources in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, especially the 

FGB, from the adverse effects of oil and gas activities. The stipulation defines a No 

Activity Zone (NAZ) around each of the Banks and no oil or gas structures, drilling rigs, 

pipelines, or anchoring are allowed within the NAZ. From 1988 to 1995, the MMS 

monitored the FGB coral reefs on an annual basis to detect any changes that may be 

caused by oil and gas activities, as well as other incipient changes. In addition to the 

protective measures provided by MMS, the FGB were designated as a United States 

National Marine Sanctuary in 1992. Beginning in 1996, the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 

(FGBNMS), and the MMS partnered to continue the long-term monitoring at the FGB. 

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the East Flower Garden Bank (EFGB) and West Flower 

Garden Bank (WFGB) in accordance with the long-term monitoring protocol, ensuring 

that the protective measures established by MMS continue to be effective. 

DESCRIPTION: For the 2004-2008 monitoring effort, cruises were conducted aboard 

the M.V. Fling or M.V. Spree in September and November 2004 (EFGB and WFGB, 

respectively), June 2005, June 2006, June 2007, August and September 2007 (EFGB 

and WFGB, respectively), and November 2008. The general locations of the study sites 

are marked by permanent mooring buoys: FGBNMS permanent mooring number 2 at the 

EFGB and mooring number 5 at the WFGB. Establishment of the perimeter and 

crosshairs subdivided each 100-m x 100-m study site into four quadrants. To estimate the 

areal coverage of benthic components, fourteen to sixteen 10-m long transect tapes 

were randomly positioned at each study site. Benthic coverage and the coverage of 

coral stressors were estimated from these transects using videography. Four coral 

cores were extracted from Montastraea faveolata colonies at each Bank in 2005 and 2007 

to determine annual coral growth rates. Because Diploria strigosa is the second largest 

contributor to coral cover at the FGB, D. strigosa lateral growth margins were monitored 

and photographed to detect changes from year to year. In order to monitor changes in 

coral reef community structure repetitive 8-m2 quadrats were photographed and analyzed 

for percent cover, coral condition, and growth or loss of coral tissue over time. Perimeter 

lines were videotaped each year to document change at known locations and to obtain 

a general sense of coral condition and fish populations each year. Physical and 

chemical characteristics of the seawater overlying the reef caps at the FGB were 

assessed by monitoring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, 

photosynthetically active radiation, chlorophyll a, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, TKN, and 

soluble reactive phosphorous. These water quality parameters were selected to 
ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137 

characterize the environmental background in which the FGB coral reef resources exist. 

Surveys of fish assemblages were conducted to determine relative abundance and 

diversity of fish species. Surveys of sea urchins and lobsters were performed at night to 

determine abundance and distribution of populations. 

In addition to the annual monitoring protocol, Hurricane Ike impacts (Hurricane Rita 

impacts were reported in a previous document, MMS 2008-019), quantitative coral health 

surveys, and notable biological and oceanographic events were also reported. On 

September 12, 2008, the storm track of Hurricane Ike passed ~0.7 km (0.4 mi) from 

mooring buoy number 2 at the EFGB study site. Repetitive 8-m2 quadrats and perimeter 

video collected in November 2008 were assessed for hurricane damage. Quantitative 

coral health surveys were conducted in June 2007 to assess the presence, types, and 

prevalence of coral diseases and other coral health issues at the FGB. Notable 

biological and oceanographic events, such as sponge spawning, Acropora discoveries, 

coral disease, and exotic/invasive species were qualitatively assessed and 

documented. Coral biodiversity and taxonomy at the FGB were also evaluated. 

SIGNIFICANT CONCLUSIONS: The EFGB and WFGB coral reefs continue to thrive 

and remain the highest coral cover dominated reefs in the Caribbean and Gulf of 

Mexico. The reef communities have remained stable for the monitoring period 1988-

2008, while other reefs in the region have declined. Continued monitoring of these 

reefs will document their long-term condition and be useful for studies focused on the 

dynamics of the robust benthic communities and the fish populations they support. 

STUDY RESULTS: Total coral cover, recorded by random transect videography from 

2004 through 2008, ranged from 49.55 ± 3.01% to 64.13 ± 2.70% at the EFGB and from 

54.41 ± 3.13% to 60.41 ± 2.94% at the WFGB. The Montastraea annularis species 

complex was the predominant component of coral cover at both Banks in all years and 

ranged from 26.80 ± 4.09% to 33.58 ± 4.52% at the EFGB and 31.70 ± 2.70% to 40.13 

± 3.29% at the WFGB. From 2004-2008, macroalgae were typically less abundant than 

crustose coralline algae, fine turf algae, and bare rock (CTB), with the exception of the 

EFGB in 2005 and 2008. Sclerochronology was used to measure the accretionary 

growth rates of Montastraea faveolata. When compared to the past two coring events 

(2003 and 2005), the 2007 core data did not appear substantially different with respect 

to mean growth rates. However, the range of annual growth from the 2007 samples 

does not show the same magnitude as the 2003 and 2005 samples. In addition, a 

reduction in mean annual coral growth rates was observed in the 2007 cores, which 

was likely related to the large-scale bleaching event that occurred in 2005. Although 

growth at lateral growth stations showed some significant variations and interactions, 

net growth was positive over the period 2003-2007. The repetitive quadrat data showed 

that coral cover was consistently high during the period 2004-2008, ~64% for both 

Banks in all years. The coral assemblages remained stable at both Banks and 

dominant corals included Montastraea annularis species complex, Diploria strigosa, 

Porites astreoides, and M. cavernosa. Macroalgae and CTB cover showed reciprocal 

patterns and the incidences of bleaching, paling, and fish biting were low. There was no 

evidence of coral disease in the repetitive quadrats. Colonies of M. annularis species 

complex in repetitive quadrats (planimetry) showed overall positive growth from 2003-
ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137 

2008. Coral cover was high at the deep repetitive quadrats (32-40 m or 105-131 ft) at 

the EFGB, averaging ~77% between 2004 and 2008. The Montastraea annularis

species complex and M. cavernosa were the dominant species observed. The review 

of the 2004-2008 perimeter videos suggests that the coral communities displayed low 

levels of stress and high coral cover. Most distressed corals were affected by fish biting 

and there were few incidences of paling and bleaching. Though separate studies 

documented that bleaching affected up to 48% of corals in the fall of 2005, this study 

documented their recovery by the following spring. Fish surveys showed robust fish 

assemblages that were dominated by herbivorous fish and included healthy piscivore 

populations. Sea urchin surveys documented low densities of Diadema antillarum at 

both Banks from 2004-2008, except at the WFGB in 2004, 2007, and 2008; sea urchin 

density has not recovered to pre-1984 levels. 

An estimated ~2.3 m2 of coral was missing from the study-site repetitive quadrat 

stations between June 2007 and November 2008 at the EFGB and WFGB, most likely 

due to Hurricane Ike. The greatest loss in terms of both the number of missing coral 

colonies and the total loss in area of coral cover occurred at the EFGB. Quantitative 

coral health surveys revealed that the vast majority of colonies surveyed were healthy. 

The prevalence of all coral health issues (including predation, bleaching, ciliate 

infections, growth anomalies, and other miscellaneous health issues) was higher at the 

WFGB (9.96%) than at the EFGB (3.20%). The overall prevalence of all coral health 

issues at the community-wide level (EFGB and WFGB combined) was 6.78%. 

STUDY PRODUCTS: Zimmer, B., L. Duncan, R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, D. Deis, 

M. Robbart, W.F. Precht, L. Kaufman, B. Shank, E. Weil, J. Field, D.J. Evans, and L. 

Whaylen. 2010. Long-term monitoring at the East and West Flower Garden Banks, 

2004-2008. Volume I: Technical report and Volume II: Appendices. U.S. Dept. of the 

Interior, Bureau of Ocean Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Gulf of Mexico 

OCS Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. OCS Study BOEMRE 2010-052. 340 pp and 

BOEMRE 2010-053. 4,392 pp (CD only). 

Precht, W.F., R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, M.L. Robbart, B. Zimmer, and L. Duncan. 

2008. Post-hurricane assessment at the East Flower Garden Bank long-term 

monitoring site: November 2005. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Minerals Management 

Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. OCS Study MMS 2008-

019. 39 pp. + appendices. Internet URL: 

http://www.gomr.mms.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/4/4318.pdf. 

Precht, W.F., R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, M.L. Robbart, D.J. Evans, B. Zimmer, 

and L. Duncan. 2008. Long-term monitoring at the East and West Flower Garden 

Banks, 2004-2005 - Interim report. Volume I: Technical report. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 

Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

OCS Study MMS 2008-027. 123 pp. Internet URL: 

http://www.gomr.mms.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/4/4322.pdf. 
ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137 

Precht, W.F., R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, M.L. Robbart, D.J. Evans, B. Zimmer, 

and L. Duncan. 2008. Long-term monitoring at the East and West Flower Garden 

Banks, 2004-2005 - Interim report. Volume II: Appendices. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 

Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

OCS Study MMS 2008-028. 1,330 pp. Internet URL: 

http://www.gomr.mms.gov/PI/PDFImages/ESPIS/4/4323.pdf. 

Precht, W.F., R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, L.S. Kaufman, M.L. Robbart, El. 

Hickerson, G.P. Schmahl and J. Sinclair. Long-Term Reef Monitoring at the Flower 

Garden Banks: Status, Stasis and Change. In, Ritchie, K.B. and Brian D. Keller, eds. 

2008. A Scientific Forum on the Gulf of Mexico: The Islands in the Stream Concept. 

Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series NMSP-08-04. U.S. Department of Commerce, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Sanctuary Program, 

Silver Spring, MD. 105 pp. Internet URL: 

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/conservation/pdfs/gom.pdf. 

Precht, W.F., Deslarzes, K.J.P., Hickerson, E. Schmahl, G.P., Sinclair, J. and Aronson, 

R.B. 2008. Holocene reef development at the Flower Garden Banks: recent surprises. 

Abstracts 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, p.5. Internet 

URL: http://www.nova.edu/ncri/11icrs/11icrs_abstractbook_final.pdf. 

Schmahl, G.P., E.L. Hickerson and W.F. Precht, 2008. Biology and Ecology of Coral 

Reefs and Coral Communities in the Flower Garden Banks Region, Northwestern Gulf 

of Mexico. In, B.M. Riegl and R.E. Dodge, Coral Reefs of the USA, Springer Science, 

2008. 

Zimmer, B., W.B. Precht, E.L. Hickerson, and J. Sinclair. 2006. Discovery of Acropora 

palmata at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Northwestern Gulf of 

Mexico. Coral Reefs (2006) DOI 10.1007/s00338-005-0054-9. 

Robbart, M., B. Zimmer, L. Duncan, D.R. Deis, R.B. Aronson, K.J.P. Deslarzes, W.F. 

Precht, J. Sinclair, E.L. Hickerson, G.P. Schmahl, G.S. Boland. 2008. Post-hurricane 

assessment and recovery at the East Flower Garden Bank. Page 417 in Abstracts 

(Poster 18.612), 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, 7-11 July 2008. Ft. 

Lauderdale, USA. 

*P.I.’s affiliation may be different than that listed for Project Managers.
ACCESS NUMBER: M04PC00033 

1435-01-04-CT-33137