GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 281434
- 1. Title of Project
- Reef Fish Biomass Estimates off Mississippi: Reviewing Current Assessments
- 2. Location of Project
- Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock Counties - 703 East Beach Dr Ocean Springs, MS
- 3. Requesting Organization
- University of Southern Mississippi
- 4a. Name
- Erica Kennedy
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 601-266-4119
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 118 College Drive #5157
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4f. Email
- ORA-PAM@usm.edu
- 5. FundingRequested
- $312,358
- Awarded Amount:
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- No
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $312,358
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- This proposal has been developed in collaborative with the MDMR Office of Marine Fisheries. Current reef fish biomass assessments rely on the Gulf Fishery Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources (G-FISHER) survey. This effort uses video recordings to characterize reef fish diversity and abundance at natural and artificial habitat throughout the Gulf of America (Gulf). There is concern that the currently employed video reading protocols may be underestimating biomass of these important resources (i.e. Red Snapper, Amberjack, Cobia, etc.). Specifically in the central and western regions of the Gulf, a strong nepheloid layer can develop near the sea floor. With the G-FISHER protocol of assessing fish counts only at the sea floor bottom during a video read, many of the videos from these regions may have obstructed visibility and therefore result in lower or completely inaccurate fish counts. Further, in the north central Gulf there are structures with higher vertical relief (i.e. cut off rigs). Reef fish are found to associate with these vertical relief structures throughout its depth range. Therefore if the G-FISHER protocol only employs a bottom read, again biomass counts may be underestimated as the fish may be aggregating higher on the structure. With this proposal, we plan to work with MDMR to employ an independent video survey effort in the offshore waters off the Mississippi coast. Using the same video collection protocol approved by G-FISHER, we will collect video on the reef fish biomass at natural and artificial habitat in our region. We will then assess the videos by two different methods, 1) using G-FISHER based bottom reads, and 2) using full water column transect reads. These two methods will then be compared to determine if the bottom only read method is accurately estimating total biomass. This comparison is important as we will be working within the standardization of the accepted G-FISHER survey currently used for assessments. If the water column transect reads are found to be more accurate, this reading method can be employed into the G-FISHER framework without losing the decades of established data, as prior videos can be reassessed employing the water column transect read.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. Construct two video camera rigs that can be deployed at vertical relief structures. These rigs will be fabricated to minimize the potential for hangups on the vertical structure, and ensure the stability of camera orientation, even when suspended mid-water or in current. 2. Conduct a survey in the waters off of Mississippi at relief habitat (i.e. cutoff rigs). Camera deployment will use a slow rate of speed, 0.2m/s, and then, depending on the visibility, spend time at the bottom or slightly above the nepheloid layer as determined by the AquaTROLL live feed camera. 3. The videos will be read and reviewed by trained video readers using two methods, 1) bottom reads only, 2) full water column transect reads. 4. The resultant data will be assessed and compared to determine how the two methods estimate biomass and species counts. 5. Results will be considered for discussion with G-FISHER and/or Gulf Council members.
- 11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?
- (A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses
- Yes: This project will determine if the estimates that are being used in reef fish stock assessments, and ultimately management, are accurately reflecting the biomass of reef fish resources from this region.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- Month 1: Meet with MDMR to jointly generate an implementation plan. Construct two video camera rigs that can be deployed at vertical relief structures. The pods will have two Go Pro stereo cameras, as well as a downward facing AquaTROLL live feed camera. (Pods will be deployed by use of in-house bandit reels.) Month 2: Send personnel on a coordination survey day with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to obtain hands-on training for the deployment of the camera rigs on high relief structures with high currents. Months 3-9: Conduct a survey in the waters off of Mississippi at relief habitats (i.e. cutoff rigs). Camera deployment will use a slow rate of speed of 0.2m/s, and then, depending on the visibility, spend time at the bottom or slightly above the nepheloid layer as determined by the AquaTROLL live feed camera. Months 3-11: Two readers will read the videos and obtain count estimates by both the bottom only and the water column transect read methods. Month 12: Assess the resultant data to determine how the biomass estimates for each method compare in total and by species.
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- Ready to Bid Funds Not Budgeted
- 15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?
- Reef fish are a popular Mississippi angler target and contribute to the economy of the region. There is concern whether the fishing limits placed on managing these species are an accurate representation of the biomass in the Gulf. Specifically in the region off of Mississippi, a strong nepheloid layer can occur at depth making video assessments difficult, and protocols of only assessing bottom aggregations may be missing groups of fish that assemble higher in the water column. This project will help MDMR more accurately understand the amount of reef fish biomass in the waters off their coastline, and will further allow them to determine if the biomass estimates generated in the Gulf-wide assessment include values truly reflective of our region. This data can then help MDMR make decisions on how to best serve the interests of their fishermen constituents.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 1
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 12/31/2027
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $98,211
- Travel
- $37,961
- Architecture & Engineering
- Legal
- Consulting
- Construction
- Site Work
- Equipment
- $10,000
- Indirects
- $78,586
- Other
- $87,600
- Total
- $312,358
- Application Submission Date
- 10/02/2026
- Fiscal Year
- 2028
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa.dmr.ms.gov/attachments/GOMESA_1434_Attachment.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments