Repetitive photography stations have
been set up on each bank. Photographs at these stations are
taken on an annual basis using a t-frame set up such as the
one shown in this picture. These images are digitized, thus
allowing researchers to measure the growth or regression of
the corals, the amount of algae present, etc. Monitoring has
shown that the reefs at the Flower Gardens are very healthy,
with over 50% coral coverage in the study sites. In this
picture, Greg Boland is photographing one of the stations
during the annual monitoring at Stetson Bank. Historically
the cost has been covered by volunteers from the Gulf Reef
Environmental Action Team (GREAT), or has come directly out
of the Sanctuary's operating funds. (photo: Frank and Joyce
Burek)
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