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The Charleston Gyre as a potential Marine Protected Area
ISSUE: Cyclonic eddies frequently arise along the western edge of the Gulf Stream and impinge upon, or over–ride, the continental shelf between the straights of Florida and Cape Hatteras.
These strong eddies account for considerable exchange between Gulf Stream and shelf waters, including the injection of nutrients that stimulate primary and consequently secondary production. Now collectively known as the Charleston Gyre, a series of large, cyclonic, eddies arise just north of a bathymetric rise on the continental slope, Charleston Bump, and propagate northward to Onslow Bay, where they decay or coalesce with the Gulf Stream. The Charleston Gyre may account for a large share of exchange of water between the Gulf Stream and the continental shelf. More importantly, the Charleston Gyre may constitute an important pelagic habitat for living marine resources. Consequently the area of the Gyre has been identified as a potential Marine Protected Area. The products of this work will be information required to ensure proper ecosystem management. This project meets NCCOS Strategic Plan Goal 1.0 (Conservation – ecosystem change – sustainable ecological integrity within the US EEZ–Forecast the consequences of global climate change).
APPROACH: This work will characterize the Charleston Gyre as spawning and nursery habitat for fishes. Two research cruises that transected the Charleston Gyre and collected hydrographic and plankton have been accomplished. Another cruise that released satellite–tracked drifters within the Gyre has also been accomplished. Analysis of data from these cruises will allow an assessment of habitat utilization, as well as retention of the propagules of living marine resources within this pelagic habitat.
OUTCOME: The products of this work will be information required to ensure proper ecosystem management as well as management of Marine Protected Areas. In addition, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary receives and loses fish propagules via the exchange mechanisms operative in the Charleston Gyre; information gained will provide for enlightened management of this existent MPA. This project meets NCCOS Strategic Plan Goal 1.0 (conservation of living marine resources, documenting ecosystem change—sustainable ecological integrity within the US EEZ, forecast the consequences of global climate change). Read more...
Contact Information:
John J. Govoni (252) 728-8727; jeff.govoni@noaa.gov