Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary provides opportunities to learn more about live bottom ecosystems and to improve management decisionmaking on issues related to them (Sanctuary Goal 2). The purpose of the Resource Studies Plan is to insure that this goal is achieved in a coordinated and structured fashion. The plan identifies the type of resource information that is needed to assess and manage the Sanctuary and proposes various approaches to acquire this information. The research proposed for the Sanctuary not only serves Gray's Reef, but also forms the basic data for answering a wide range of questions concerning South Atlantic live bottom habitats and their communities.
The Resource Studies Plan encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines which provide a comprehensive approach to managing the Sanctuary. Five major areas of study have been identified: Data and Information Management (DIM); Geology (GEO); Oceanography (OCY); Ecology (ECO); and Special Projects and Studies (SPS). The fifth area of study (SPS) includes various projects that are of importance to the completeness of the plan but which cannot be adequately categorized under the other four components. Under each major area of study are several study topics (see Table V-l). Each topic is given an identification number (ID#) to facilitate review, comment and reference. Numbering, however, does not indicate priority ranking.
The major areas of study for the most part are interrelated. For example, models developed to describe the live bottom ecosystem require significant input from studies in geology, oceanography and ecology. Data and information management provides a central processing and analysis system into which all other study areas feed and from which information is readily available to potential users.
Resource information needs are discussed in the main text of the plan, under each major area of study. Identification of priority studies for Phase 1 of this plan (i.e., 5 years) follows each discussion. Studies recently completed or in progress are listed on Table V-2 and described in Appendix C. Additional studies will be considered at later dates, or sooner if funding in addition to that required for priority studies becomes available or if their status changes following annual review. Selection and scheduling of priority projects during Phase 1 follows procedures summarized at the end of this section and described in more detail in Section VII and Appendix D.
B. Information Needs and Recommended Action For Phase 1
1. RESOURCE DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (DIM)
DIM-l Comprehensive Sanctuary Resource Data Base
The need for a comprehensive resource data base for live bottom areas has been established (Henry, 1981; Appendix B). Existing information is scattered; it is largely unpublished, retained by investigators and difficult to locate without specialized knowledge. Much of the available information should be compiled into a central repository where it would be easily accessible to potential users and continuously updated as new information was acquired. The repository could contain scientific as well as public education materials, including numerical and descriptive data, voucher specimens, slides, video films and other photographic media, reprints from the scientific and popular press and unpublished reports. Also included could be references to pertinent management and scientific research from other reef areas, general information about the national marine sanctuary program and information about other marine resource management programs.
DIM-2 Information Management System
Research and resource monitoring programs are certain to produce a large amount of varied and important information. It is critical from the onset that a comprehensive information management system be in place to process, store and make available for speedy and efficient handling the variety of information generated. A system designed for the Sanctuary should be able to provide the following services: (l) input, analysis, storage and output of data collected in the Sanctuary and selective data from other live bottom areas; (2) reference retrieval; (3) word processing and graphics production for report preparation; and (4) communication with other computers in the national marine sanctuary system. The system should insure timely availability and smooth flow of information to potential users.
DIM-3 Systematics Collections from Gray's Reef
Representatives of major plant, invertebrate and fish taxa have been collected at Gray's Reef in conjunction with past and present research efforts. For the most part, collections are scattered and not easily accessible for use as voucher specimens for research. This is of particular significance since further collection of sanctuary resources is prohibited by sanctuary regulations, except in special cases where limited collection is essential for identification purposes and specimens cannot be found outside of the Sanctuary. A project should be undertaken to locate existing collections, designate permanent repositories to house them and any additional specimens collected in the Sanctuary (also see DIM-l) and curate them using standard methods. A loan system should be devised to make specimens available for study by researchers, students and the interested public.
A project to curate systematics collection of fishes from the vicinity of Gray's Reef is in progress (see Appendix C).
Locate and catalogue existing systematics collections from the vicinity of Gray's Reef. Identify missing information. Design a loan system.
GEO-l Hydrography
Henry and van Sant (1982) conducted a reconnaissance hydrographic survey of Gray's Reef using high resolution bathymetric, topographic, photographic, and sub-bottom profiling systems. The findings documented the occurrence and distribution of live bottom and pertinent biological features and conditions in an 80 square nautical mile area. The results support earlier works (Hunt, 1974) and confirm that 95% of live bottom encountered in the survey area is located in the Sanctuary.
The results of the reconnaissance survey are to be used to design a more indepth survey. Detailed and accurately located baseline maps showing rock outcrop location and distribution and possibly indicating outcrop dimensions, relief, profile, and orientation are needed for support in other research and monitoring projects. It is possible that biological maps (ECO-l) showing biotic zonation in relation to geological features could be built upon the results of this proposed effort.
GE0-2 Geomorphology
Hunt (1974), Continental Shelf Associates (1979), South Carolina Marine Resource Research Institute and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (1981) and Riggs, Hine and Snyder (1981) have studied, though to a limited degree, the geomorphology of selected hardgrounds on the South Atlantic Continental Shelf. Investigators in South Florida and the Caribbean have looked at the relationship between habitat complexity and community development (Risk, 1972; Talbot and Goldman, 1972; Dahl, 1973; and Luckhurst and Luckhurst, 1978). Hunt (1974) provided an initial study of live bottom geomorphology in the Sanctuary in his analysis of sedimentary rock color, structural stratigraphy, induration, surface features, and structural constituents. Additional studies are needed to further define the rock types comprising the outcrops and to determine their shear strength and fragility The latter study would provide data for interpreting the impact of anchoring on outcrops. As analysis of habitat complexity and associated biological communities (ECO-l) would provide a more composite picture of the habitat.
GE0-3 Sediment Dynamics
Observations in the Sanctuary and at other live bottoms in the Georgia Bight suggest that a measurable degree of sand transport occurs along the ocean bottom seasonally. Geological records suggest that sand movement alternately covers and exposes rock outcrops, perhaps in a cyclic pattern (Henry and Giles, 1979). The effects of sand movement on live bottom habitats and their communities is unknown, yet it may affect such things as community structure, ecological succession, biological productivity and evolution. A better understanding of the dynamics of sand movement is needed. Objectives of studies addressing this subject should include determining aspects of the source and transport of sand, erosion and deposition rates of sedimentary materials, and effect of sand movement on live bottom habitat and communities.
GE0-4 Sedimentation
The rate that suspended particulate matter settles out of the water column onto the live bottom is suspected to be low. Some baseline measurements should be taken to provide background information in the event that development activities such as minerals mining or dredge material disposal occur near the Sanctuary and change the status quo. Information on sedimentation rates would be applicable to GE0-3, water circulation (OCY-2) and water quality (OCY-3) studies, plankton studies (EC0-3) and live bottom community metabolism studies (EC0-7).
GE0-5 Geology and Origin of South Atlantic Live Bottom Reefs
Several investigators have explored the geological history of the South Atlantic Continental Shelf (Pilkey and Giles, 1965; Uchupi, 1968; Hunt, 1974; Henry and Giles, 1978). Geological records indicate that prominent bottom features -- sand swells, submerged terraces, river valleys and hard bottom outcrops -- were formed many thousands of years ago during lower stands of sea level. It is proposed that Gray's Reef was formed in a shallow, possibly sheltered marine environment (Hunt, 1974). Further investigations on the age, origin and composition of Gray's Reef should be considered. Similar investigations in coastal areas and outer shelf locations for comparison to Gray's Reef would also provide excellent subjects for study.
There are currently no observation programs to provide accurate or timely information on weather and sea conditions in the Sanctuary or surrounding areas. Very limited data are available from distant monitoring stations and from on-site and regional oceanographic studies programs. During portions of the year, Navigational Light Towers off Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, and Jacksonville, FL, monitor wind, ocean currents, ocean temperature, salinity and turbidity. These data are only remotely applicable to the Gray's Reef area due to distance from source (at least 40 km away) and differences in microclimate. Moreover, the availability of these data for sanctuary user groups is limited by lack of weather reporting stations in the vicinity and poor weather radio reception from the closest stations (i.e., Savannah and Jacksonville).
The objective of this study would be provide a means for obtaining and disseminating timely and accurate data on meteorological and oceanographic conditions in the Sanctuary and surrounding area. Some of the parameters which could be studied include: meteorological conditions (e.g., temperature, barametric pressure, humidity, illumination, cloud cover and wind speed and direction); sea surface state and wave conditions (e.g., wave height, appearance, length, period and velocity, wave pattern and shape and storm surge); water temperature and salinity; water circulation (see OCY-2); light transmission; transmissionmetry; and sound. Measurements could be made with on-site recording instruments retrieved periodically or with more permanent facilities which provide a continuous outflow of real-time data, such as weather buoys.
OCY-2 Water Circulation
The state of knowledge of water circulation patterns in the South Atlantic Bight is probably adequate enough to describe general patterns in the Sanctuary. However, more detailed information is needed to understand the effects of small-scale events in the sanctuary area, such as outwellings from the coast, indrafts of the Gulf Stream, seasonal fluctuations in wind- and wave-induced currents, and topography-mediated events (e.g., upwellings, eddies and gyres). Information on these events is important to studies on population dynamics (e.g., dispersal, retention and recruitment of larvae), community metabolism, water quality and nutrient cycles, and sedimentation.
It may be possible to determine flow structure in and around the Sanctuary with only a few monitoring devices since non-tidal current in this mid-shelf region of the Georgia Bight is primarily wind-driven and the alongshore coherence is about 100 miles, which includes the sanctuary area. On- and offsite monitoring devices and satellite information may be utilized. Submersible current meters and tide gauges are presently being used at Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary; some may be available for use in other national marine sanctuaries in late 1984.
OCY-3 Water Quality
Effective management of the Sanctuary depends in part on the ability to monitor resource conditions and to predict changes and associated impacts. Yet, field data on water quality in the Sanctuary are currently lacking, and information on ecological requirements of live bottom organisms and their response changes in required conditions is limited. Many tropical organisms are at the northern limit of their geographical range and may not tolerate even subtle changes. Porter (pers. comm.) suggests that corals at Gray's Reef are living fairly close to the lower limits of temperature and light tolerance.
Long-term objectives of this study would be to (l) design and implement a program to monitor selected parameters, such as temperature, salinity, pH, nitrate, nitrite ammonia, phosphate, chlorophylls and possibly pesticides, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals; (2) design a study to analyze community metabolism and nutrient flux in the live bottom system; and (3) incorporate evolving information into a predictive model (also see EC0-8). Efforts should use state of the art equipment which avoids labor intensive methods.
Research efforts have only begun to accumulate the data needed to understand the structure and function of live bottom ecosystems. The relationship between living marine resources and geological features has not been fully ascertained. Additional baseline and group specific investigations are needed to describe biological communities and to document their occurrence in space and time. Detailed biological community maps built on hydrographic maps (GEO-l) and in conjunction with studies on reef geomorphology (GE0-2) will be useful in future research and resource monitoring endeavors.
EC0-2 Resource Monitoring
In addition to monitoring ambient oceanographic conditions in the Sanctuary (OCY-l, OCY-2 and OCY-3), a monitoring program directed at living marine resources is also needed. Monitored resources should include those that are representative of the ecosystem and those that are most likely to indicate changes in the environment at an early state of change. Whereas data concerning live bottom ecosystems are incomplete, there should be sufficient information available to identify "indicator" species (at least initially), and to establish a reasonable monitoring program. If necessary, changes in the program could be made as more information about the system becomes available.
Monitoring programs are currently being conducted in other national marine sanctuaries (i.e., at the Channel Islands, Key Largo, and Looe Key) and in national parks and monuments (i.e., Biscayne, Everglades, Dry Tortugas, Buck Island and the Virgin Islands). Studies in progress may provide guidance for developing a monitoring program for Gray's Reef.
Identify indicator species and appropriate monitoring techniques. Implement a resource monitoring program coordinated with a census of sanctuary users (see SPS-l).
EC0-3 Selected Studies on Seaweeds at Gray's Reef
The ecological importance of benthic marine algae to live bottom ecosystems has not been ascertained. Recent investigations off the Carolinas and northeastern Florida have discovered suitable hardbottom to support seaweeds. Studies off Georgia are more limited. Continental Shelf Associates (1979) collected 19 species of seaweeds off Georgia and, in a limited sampling effort at Gray's Reef, Searles (1981) collected 15 species of which there are eight new records for Georgia, two extensions of the southern ranges of distribution and one new species.
Further investigation of plant species composition, abundance and distribution in the Sanctuary is needed. It is possible that selected seaweeds can serve as indicator species for resource monitoring purposes (EC0-2). Studies on community dynamics (e.g., seasonality of reproduction, colonization and metabolism) are needed to determine the role and trophic significance of seaweeds in live bottom systems and to identify species in need of special protection and study (i.e., species with limited reproductive rates and capabilities and/or limited geographic distribution (Richardson, pers. comm.).
EC0-4 Selected Studies on Invertebrates at Gray's Reef
Benthic invertebrate communities are an important element in live bottom ecosystems, yet these groups remain largely undescribed. Several studies on invertebrate communities of the South Atlantic Bight are in progress and should supply much invaluable data (see Appendix C); however, it is likely that many questions regarding specific invertebrate assemblages will remain. Areas in which more information is needed include: (l) species identifications and life histories; (2) biologic community mapping (ECO-l); (3) descriptive community studies; (4) trophic relationships, including the roles of predation and competition; (5) population dynamics (e.g., seasonality of reproduction, sources and rates of larval recruitment and requirements for settlement and colonization); (6) community metabolism; (7) endangered, threatened, rare or otherwise special species; and (8) identification of indicator species for resource monitoring purposes (EC0-2).
Recommend selected invertebrates and monitoring techniques for EC0-2.
Recommend additional studies following analysis of studies in progress.
EC0-5 Selected Studies on Fishes at Gray's Reef
Fishes not only constitute an important component of the live bottom communities, but also attract the major attention from sanctuary user groups (i.e., sports fishermen and divers). At the present time, the identification and description of fish species at Gray's Reef remains incomplete, especially among the small, sedentary and cryptic species which may have important ecosystem positions. Studies are needed to assess and monitor harvested and unharvested species, their life histories and their patterns of resource utilization (e.g., partitioning of food and habitat resources). Selected studies include (Note: listing does not indicate priority order):
Studies on pelagic fishes associated with Gray's Reef.
Descriptive reef fish community studies and mapping of fish communities in relation to physical features within the Sanctuary (ECO-l).
Identification of indicator species and monitoring methods (EC0-2).
Development of a field guide to the identification of fishes at Gray's Reef (In progress, see SPS-3 and Appendix C).
A study of reef fish community ecology to examine the roles of competition, predation, and random events in determining community structure.
An investigation of patterns of reproduction and recruitment of fishes to Gray's Reef to determine sources of fish propagules (i.e., eggs and larvae) and the reef's self-sustaining potential versus a dependence upon distant sources.
A study of tropic dynamics to determine the feeding ecology of Gray's Reef fishes and the effect of large pelagic predators and fishing effort on the reef associated species (also see SPS-3).
A study of reef fish species' adaptability to live bottom reefs and susceptibility to stress by examining energy budgets, including daily energy rations, metabolic and growth rates, production estimates, ecological efficiencies, and the effect of changes in environmental parameters on ecological energetics.
Action: Complete year-round observations in progress on the identity, distribution, seasonality and patterns of resource utilization of selected species of resident and tropically derived fishes at Gray's Reef (see SPS-3 and Appendix C). Augment knowledge with studies on infaunal and cryptic species.
Recommend selected fishes and monitoring techniques for EC0-2.
Implement additional studies following analysis of studies progress.
Plankton communities associated with live bottom habitats have not been described. Areas in which information is needed include: (l) species identifications and life histories; (2) distribution in time and space; (3) population dynamics and community relationships; (4) trophic and ecological significance; and (5) identification of "indicator" species.
EC0-7 Selected Studies on Sea Turtles at Gray's Reef
The Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is common in Georgia's coastal and offshore waters. Although much is known about the nesting behavior of the loggerhead on Georgia's beaches, little is known about other aspects of its life history. During the last decade, divers have observed loggerhead sea turtles at artificial and natural reefs off Georgia. It is not known what role these reefs play for the sea turtles, but it is suspected that they provide refuge for overwintering, resting and feeding.
EC0-8 Dynamics and Variability of Live Bottom Ecosystems
The information needs described thus far are directed primarily at the major components of the live bottom ecosystem (i.e., plants, invertebrates, fishes) and their relationship to the surrounding environment (i.e., geological structures and processes, oceanographic conditions). As this information becomes available, it should be synthesized, analyzed and incorporated into a conceptual ecosystems model that describes the dynamics and variability of the live bottom ecosystem. Conceptual ecosystem models graphically describe in words and symbols, rather than numbers, ecological relationships. As management tools, conceptual models help identify information gaps and direct multidisciplined research, and provide the framework for developing mathematical models (Dahl et al, 1974).
5. Special Projects and Studies (SPS)
SPS-l Census of Sanctuary Users
There is much emphasis in this plan on geological, oceanographic and ecological studies that will provide resource information for future management needs. Of equal importance is a comprehensive picture of the magnitude and the spatial and seasonal patterns of sanctuary use. Information on user group activities should be collected using a variety of methods including intercept interviews of boaters at various launch sites, on-site interviews with boaters in the Sanctuary, over-flight surveys (in progress, see Appendix C) and socio-economic questionnaires. The type of information collected on field surveys should include date and time of day, weather and sea conditions, type and estimated size of vessels observed, type of activity engaged in and number of visitors per boat. In addition, interviews and questionnaires should obtain various sociological characteristics of the participants (i.e., age, sex, income, education, tourist or resident, single or multipurpose trip, number of previous trips, distance traveled and cost of trip to launch site, rental cost of gear, boat cost per trip, etc.).
SPS-2 Environmental Impact of Selected Activities on Live Bottom Habitats and Communities
To date, research at Gray's Reef has been directed largely at natural resources and processes in the Sanctuary. Studies under SPS-l will ascertain the type and extent of activities occurring in the Sanctuary. For management purposes, it may be necessary to study the effects of existing or changed levels of activities on the natural environment. Areas of interest include the impact of anchoring, hook-and-line fishing, spearfishing, and selected research gears. Many activities that are known or suspected to have adverse impact on live bottom areas are prohibited by sanctuary regulations.
Environmental impact assessments often involve manipulative research. It is recommended that potentially damaging studies be conducted outside of the Sanctuary. A study in progress -- environmental impact of roller-rigged trawls in live bottom areas -- is sponsored by NOAA but is being conducted at live bottom locations outside of the Sanctuary for this reason. (see Appendix C).
SPS-3 Illustrated Field Guides to Selected Taxa at Gray's Reef
Illustrated guidebooks to the major taxonomic groups associated with live bottom reefs are lacking. Most of the guides available for use by fishermen, divers and students are for tropical coral reef organisms and therefore have only minor application to Gray's Reef. Because live bottom areas such as Gray's Reef are rapidly coming under increasing use, information on the marine life that inhabit them is of interest to user groups and is paramount to resource management. For maximum resourcefulness, guidebooks should and in the identification and classification of selected taxa, describe key aspects of their life history and preferred habitat and provide reference to additional literature on the group. Guidebooks which are concise, well-illustrated and easily understood by both technical and non-technical persons will fill a noticeable void in scientific and popular literature related to live bottom habitats and communities. A guidebook to the fishes in the vicinity of Gray's Reef is in preparation (see Appendix C).
SPS-4 Cultural and Historical Resource Surveys
Archeological and paleontogical investigation in and around Gray's Reef may uncover artifacts of historical or cultural significance. To date, several different types of fossils have been found, including estuarine invertebrates and a mastodon's bone, which provide clues to the earth's geologic history. Also of importance is whether any historically important shipwrecks exist within the vicinity of Gray's Reef. If important cultural or historical resources are found, appropriate management strategies will have to be devised.
Consider the feasibility of conducting a magnotometer study for shipwrecks in the vicinity of Gray's Reef.
The Resource Studies Plan is designed to provide a comprehensive, long-term agenda for research and monitoring. It is to be reviewed on an annual basis and revised every five years. This review is of particular importance since the results of studies in progress may alter or reinforce other studies recommended in the plan or change their priority listing. Procedures for reviewing the Resource Studies Plan are presented in Section VIII, Management Plan Review.
Selection and scheduling priority studies is based on a consideration of several criteria, including: (1) relevance or importance to sanctuary management; (2) scientific or educational merits; (3) immediacy of need (i.e., existing or potential threat to the marine environment, in general, or to the Sanctuary, in particular); (4) environmental consequence (i.e., consequences of conducting or not conducting the project, compatibility with other sanctuary activities, and whether the study should be conducted in the Sanctuary or outside its boundary); and (5) NOAA policy and funding considerations. In the course of selecting priority studies, biologists, ecologists, geologists, oceanographers and others with knowledge or interest in South Atlantic live bottoms are consulted. The selection process is described in more detail in Section VIII and in Appendix D, Guidelines for Research in National Marine Sanctuaries.
Funding for studies is normally provided by NOAA through a competitive process whereby requests for proposals (RFP) are announced in the Commerce Business Daily; however, unsolicited proposals of outstanding merit are considered. Additionally, NOAA enters into cooperative agreements with other federal and state agencies for special research projects. Guidelines for preparing, submitting, evaluating and selecting proposals for research in national marine sanctuaries is presented in Appendix D.
NOAA collaborates with other organizations to enhance opportunities for research related to sanctuary areas. It is anticipated that NOAA can fund many of the projects described in the Resource Studies Plan, as funds are available over time. Other funding sources and cost-sharing are encouraged to support projects identified in the plan.