The National Park Service, in collaboration with several partners (the United States Geological Survey, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Biogeography Branch and Southeast Fisheries Science Center, the University of the Virgin Islands, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst) will be conducting field work related to long-term acoustic telemetry research, according to a release N.P.S. issued Friday.
The telemetry study uses acoustic transmitters to track the movements of sea turtles, sharks, conch, and reef fishes as they move within and among Buck Island Reef National Monument, the East End Marine Park, Salt River Bay Historical Site and Ecological Preserve, Lang Bank, and adjacent territorial waters, according to the release.
NPS said the objectives of the study are to 1) quantify the habitat utilization and home range of selected species, 2) test the connectivity of select species within and among Marine Protected Areas and fishable waters, and 3) determine the location of critical spawning and/or foraging aggregations.
Be aware and take precautions to avoid the researchers that will be diving from NPS vessels to inspect, retrieve, download, and re-deploy acoustic receivers which are used to collect data on movement and timing of tagged individuals, N.P.S. said. These activities are conducted bi-annually to ensure the scientific equipment is functioning and maintained. Dive operations will be conducted throughout the study sites.
If you would like additional information about this study, contact: Clayton Pollock, NPS Biologist Ph 340-773-1460 x 238; [email protected] The National Park Service thanks all of our community members and friends for 52 years of support for Buck Island Reef NM and we look forward to an exciting year of events celebrating our unique resource.
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