SMAST Seminar - DFO - April 9, 2025 - "Addressing dynamic environmental challenges through cooperation and innovation" by Tasha O'Hara
Department of Fisheries Oceanography
"Addressing dynamic environmental challenges through cooperation and innovation"
Tasha O'Hara
Research Biologist, Coonamessett Farm Foundation
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
3pm- 4pm
SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom
Abstract:
Benthic surveying is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems and developing sustainable resource management strategies. While traditional sampling methods provide valuable biological data, they often face challenges like gear escapement and overfilling. To overcome these limitations and address emerging environmental concerns, innovative, non-extractive surveying tools are increasingly necessary. The HabCam v3 Habitat Mapping Camera system integrates imaging and environmental sensor data to capture real-time information, enabling marine assessments without disturbing fragile ecosystems. This non-invasive technology plays a key role in cooperative research efforts, including Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) stock assessments and benthic ecosystem surveys in offshore wind sites across New England waters. By leveraging advanced technologies on commercial platforms, researchers, industry members, and fishing communities can strengthen collaboration and build trust in shared scientific endeavors. This talk will highlight HabCam’s optical work conducted by CFF during annual stock assessments and provide an overview of ongoing offshore wind cooperative research and its benefits.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260?pwd=OHJ5UDloQkZZaCtXcTlBNlR6Qm0rQT09
Note: Meeting passcode required, email contact below to receive
To request the Zoom passcode, or for any other questions, please email Callie Rumbut
SMAST East 101-102
: 836 S. Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford MA 02744
Callie Rumbut
c.rumbut@umassd.edu
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260?pwd=OHJ5UDloQkZZaCtXcTlBNlR6Qm0rQT09