Spatial Analysis Identifies Octocoral Hotspots in the Gulf of Mexico

/ Matt Artz

peters_dissertation_adj1-300x225…from Deep Sea News…

“Distribution and Diversity of Octocorals in the Gulf of Mexico,” by Peter J. Etnoyer

COASTAL AND MARINE SYSTEM SCIENCE PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI

“This dissertation tested the null hypothesis of no difference in octocoral assemblages at the three spatial scales (referred to as basin, region, and site scale) through meta-analysis of two large, original datasets. Univariate and multivariate techniques were used to compare and contrast depth zones, regions, and sites (six outer continental shelf banks) within a GIS framework. Spatial analysis techniques were used to identify octocoral ‘hotspots’ within Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.”