Fisheries group conducts artificial reef fisheries survey with TPWD
Dr. Matt Ajemian, Jennifer Wetz, and Jason Williams conducted dive and vertical long line
surveys with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) aboard the M/V Fling as part of
the Texas Artificial Reef Program. The M/V Fling is a 100’ live-aboard that launches from
Freeport, and while aboard Ajemian and Williams dove four artificial reef sites and
conducted visual fish surveys within the High Island Complex approximately 100 nautical
miles offshore. Most of the artificial reef sites were composed of toppled oil platforms which
provide structure for a variety of fish including Greater Amberjacks, Barracudas, Red
Snapper, Grey Snapper, Angel Fish, and many more. This was a great opportunity for the
fisheries group to gain more experience with TPWD’s dive survey methods, which will
enhance their upcoming artificial reef dive surveys this summer. Additionally, HRI staff
members also assisted TPWD with their vertical long line surveys to standardize this survey
method for Texas artificial reefs.
Picture Caption: (IMG_3177.JPG): Ajemian and Williams conducting visual fish surveys
with two Amberjack in the foreground.