ROVs, webcams show Gulf of Mexico corals after Deepwater Horizon

By on July 9, 2014
An ROV view of a coral imaging process. The yellow Wiffle Ball in the frame is used for scale. (Credit: Image: Sea Research Foundation, Inc.)

An ROV view of a coral imaging process. The yellow Wiffle Ball in the frame is used for scale. (Credit: Image: Sea Research Foundation, Inc.)


Scientists at Penn State University are studying the health of Gulf of Mexico coral communities using a remotely operated vehicle and webcams, according to a release from the university. Their study comes four years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

During the study, live webcams are broadcasting directly from their research vessel and scientists will be answering questions from viewers. Those tuning in will also be able to see what’s going on from the ocean floor through cameras on the ROV.

One leg of the study has already been completed. But researchers will be back in the water from July 6 to 10 taking more measurements. A film crew with 60 Minutes will tag along on that stint.

Image: An ROV view of a coral imaging process. The yellow Wiffle Ball in the frame is used for scale. (Credit: Image: Sea Research Foundation, Inc.)

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