Exploring Coral Spawning in Flower Garden Banks NMS

Exploring Coral Spawning in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

June 2, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Take a virtual field trip into the depths of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary with expedition lead Dr. Sarah Davies of Boston University.

In 2019, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries partnered with Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration to expand our understanding of sanctuaries through deep-water exploration and research. Aboard the research vessel Manta, Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration staff, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary researchers, and partner scientists ventured about 100 miles offshore of Galveston, Texas. There, they observed annual coral reproduction, known as spawning, on the deep reefs of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Learn about the highlights as lead scientist Dr. Sarah Davies recounts the expedition.