| The goals of the cruise were to collect a variety of data to assess the status of
mesophotic corals in waters between the islands of Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai.
Camera surveys of corals and fish were conducted by a live feed video camera attached
to a Towed Optical Assessment Device (TOAD). Three mooring, consisting of temperature
and current meters, were recovered. Three pairs of Tidbit temperature loggers were
deployed. CTD casts were conducted and light profiles taken at predetermined stations
at midday. Mixed-gas dive operations were conducted to assess coral communities and
the presence of fish, aided with cameras. Sand and gravel samples were taken for amphipod
analysis. Biological backscatter were recorded using an EK60 echosounder system operating
at 38, 70, & 120 kHz along predetermined transects. |