Long-Term Monitoring at East and West Flower Garden Banks, 2019–2022. Technical Report

Publication Title: Long-Term Monitoring at East and West Flower Garden Banks, 2019–2022. Technical Report

Subject: Marine Biodiveristy; Marine Chemistry; Physical Oceanography
Marine Benthic Communities
long-term monitoring; coral reefs; gulf of mexico; biodiversity

CSE Reference: O'Connell K (Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Galveston, Texas). 2025. Long-term monitoring at East and West Flower Garden Banks, 2019–2022. Technical report. New Orleans (LA): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 5 p. Award No.: M19PG00001. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2025-036. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/technical%20summary/BOEM_2025-036.pdf

Abstract: Since 2009, NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have collaborated to monitor coral reef health at East and West Flower Garden Banks (EFGB and WFGB, respectively). The 2019–2022 monitoring period revealed stable coral cover, dominated by the Orbicella species complex, with increases in macroalgae but without signs of significant coral displacement. Fish populations remained abundant, with higher fish density and biomass at EFGB than WFGB. Although water temperatures remained below bleaching thresholds, bleaching and paling was observed in 2021, affecting 2.7% coral cover at EFGB and 5.4% at WFGB. Otherwise, bleaching remained minimal at less than 2%. Invasive species, such as lionfish, continued to be observed in fish surveys, and water quality nutrient levels below detection limits. Overall, the study underscores the resilience of the reefs but highlights the need for ongoing monitoring considering rising ocean temperatures and potential stressors.