Welcome to the Marine Protected Areas group page!
About us
The Marine reserves group is part of the NOAA Fisheries Laboratory in Panama City, FL. Its mission is to conduct fishery and habitat research on designated and proposed marine protected areas (MPA) in the southeastern United States. The major project areas are:
- Northeast Gulf of Mexico MPAs
- South Atlantic Bight proposed MPAs
- Oculina HAPC (Habitat Area of Particular Concern)
- Pulley Ridge
Map showing the major project areas of the MPA team
The Marine Reserves team also conducts annual surveys for juvenile reef fish in local seagrass nursery areas and provides support for other projects at the Panama City Laboratory.
For more information about the projects, follow the links located in the contents area. The most recent publications, images and maps from these projects can be found in the "resources" section.
Upcoming projects
- November 14th 2007: Multibeam mapping on Pulley Ridge. Conducted by Dr. David Naar, University of South Florida aboard Florida Institute of Oceanography vessel R/V Suncoaster.
- January 19th 2008: Beginning of 50 day vessel availability of Northeast Gulf of Mexico Marine Protected Area research cruise. Conducted aboard NOAA vessel, R/V Caretta.
- March 6th to 25th 2008:Research cruise to Pulley Ridge and Oculina HAPCs aboard NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter.
- May 2008: Planned cruise to South Atlantic Bight Marine Protected Areas aboard NASA Ship M/V Freedom Star.