NOAA Science Seminar: Diving Deep to Explore the Gulf of Mexico Blue Holes

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: Diving Deep to Explore the Gulf of Mexico Blue Holes

NOAA Central Library Seminars

Speakers: Emily R. Hall, Ph.D. Senior Scientist and Program Manager, and Jim Culter, Senior Scientist and Program Manager; Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL

Sponsors: NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA Central Library

Seminar Contacts: NOAA Central Library Seminars (library.seminars@noaa.gov)

Location: Webinar

Remote access: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5089681535466191193

Accessibility: Captions are added to the recordings of presentations once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channel. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory scientists Dr. Emily R. Hall and Jim Culter will lead you on a journey to explore blue holes, underwater springs, and sinkholes in the Gulf of Mexico. Blue holes are karst features that are scattered across Florida’s shelf floor and vary in size, shape, and depth, with many identified as ecological hot spots. Little is known about these blue holes due to their lack of accessibility. Some exploratory questions include: Are these blue holes connected to Florida’s groundwater system? Are elevated nutrients in these holes affecting primary production in the Gulf? Do these holes harbor unique or new organisms?

Keywords: Blue holes, Exploration, Chemistry

About the Speakers: Dr. Emily R. Hall, Senior Scientist and Program Manager, joined the staff at Mote Marine Laboratory in 2005. She currently manages the Chemical and Physical Ecology and Ocean Acidification programs at Mote. Her research is focused on effects of local and global stressors on coastal and marine organisms (e.g. corals and harmful algal blooms) and studying unique habitats that may be able to withstand or alleviate the effects of stressors such as within seagrass beds or offshore deep holes.

James K. Culter, Senior Scientist and Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, has been at Mote since 1979. He currently manages the Benthic Ecology Program at Mote and his research is focused on submarine karst features, groundwater seeps, interaction of groundwater with oceanic water and invertebrate populations, invertebrate ecology and population structure, environmental assessments, and habitat restoration.

Recordings: Recordings will be shared 24 hours after the event on the NOAA Central Library YouTube channel.

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{Emily R. Hall, Ph.D. Senior Scientist and Program Manager, and Jim Culter, Senior Scientist and Program Manager; Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL}