South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston Harbor: Conservation and Research ~

The South Carolina Aquarium Volunteer dive program in conjunction with the SCDNR’s Marine Resources Division is working research to improve the understanding of fish populations associated with artificial reefs and natural hard bottom areas. The research results are expected to contribute to understanding of the linkage of fish species to these habitats and between species, along with possible harvesting impact implications. This cooperative study will also aid managers in better designing future artificial reef sites, and will benefit fishery resource managers by cost-effectively improving the understanding of these habitats.

After compiling a comprehensive list of fish species that have been observed by SCUBA divers in the South Atlantic Bight region and recorded in the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) database, Aquarium divers certified with advanced visual fish assessment skills observe fish species abundance and sizes. The Aquarium is expecting to complete over 250 survey dives, more than doubling the information gathered in the REEF database for South Carolina.

A Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), a species that has recently been removed from the endangered species list, was observed at one of the dive sites.

SCA divers observed a species not previously recorded in the REEF database before this survey, the palefin batfish (Ogcocephalus rostellum).

Divers also saw a rare feeding frenzy at Charleston 60’ with 50 little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), 75 red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), and 200 amberjack (Seriola dumerili)!

Project Partners
This research was made possible with grant funding from the South Carolina Seagrant Consortium.

Further Information
For questions regarding this research project, please contact the South Carolina Aquarium Dive Safety Officer at (843)579-8536.