Ask an Explorer
Questions were sent to the science party during this expedition. Selected questions and answers are offered below.
Question from: Matt Frohman
When mapping coral reefs do you take into consideration artificial reefs if they have them? If so, are there growth correlations between the two?
Answer from: John Rooney, Chief Scientist, Operation Laser Line 2006
We rarely encounter deliberately-placed artificial reefs during a survey. However, where we encounter three- dimensional structures on the bottom, whether they are shipwrecks, other debris or geologic formations, they generally attract a high concentration of marine life relative to nearby areas with less variation in relief. These structures often provide habitat for algae, and a wide range of marine fauna including corals.
