the public. The presentation first introduced the
work of Ocearch and highlighted ocean conservation efforts and findings from their past expeditions as well as an overview of their latest
expedition in the Gulf of Mexico.
During his presentation, Fischer explained
the importance of the thousands of oil drilling
rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Below the surface of each of the
thousands of offshore rigs
are massive structures with
the potential of creating
new artificial reef systems. These meccas for
biodiversity on the
desert-like ocean floor
house the lower tiers of the
marine food chain. From algae
and coral to shrimp and snapper, these
smaller organisms are imperative for maintaining balance in the ecosystem. As these smaller
organisms gather, it then invites larger predators to feed, while keeping numbers at bay. ۂ