Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Secrets of the Gulf Images

SECRETS OF THE GULF EXPEDITION, MARCH 2007--START OF THE EXPEDITION

The Secrets of the Gulf Expedition begain in Galveston, TX in early March 2007. This first page of photos highlights events before the expedition as well as the departure of the vessels on March 2, 2007. Additional expedition images can be viewed at the following links: NR-1 Submarine at Sea Sending Broadcasts from the Gulf Argus Brine Seep at East Flower Garden Bank Mud Volcanoes Deep Reef Habitat Click on a picture below to see a larger, hi-resolution image. All images should be credited to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS).
Research submarine NR-1 tied up alongside the SSV Carolyn Chouest in Galveston.	The sail of the NR-1 submarine viewed from the deck of the Carolyn Chouest.
Final meeting of the science team prior to the expedition getting under way.	Press conference at sanctuary headquarters on March 1, 2007.
Panel of speakers at the press conference March 1, 2007.	Dr. Robert Ballard with 4 students from Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio.
Boys and Girls Club students getting ready to tour the NR-1 submarine.	Dr. Ballard talking to a VIP group on board the Carolyn Chouest.
Inside the NR-1.	Commander Panlilio leading a tour inside the submarine.
Dr. Ballard talking to a news crew on board the Carolyn Chouest with NR-1 in the background.	Inside the Control Van on board the Carolyn Chouest.
G.P. Schmahl on deck with the ROV Argus.	G.P. Schmahl boarding the sub.
A wave from G.P. as he climbs inside the NR-1.	The crew of the NR-1 ready to make way.
The NR-1 under way into the Galveston shipping channel.	The Carolyn Chouest heading into the shipping channel to hook up with the NR-1.
The Carolyn Chouest with the NR-1 in tow in the Galveston shipping channel.	Last sighting of the Carolyn Chouest and NR-1 heading into the Gulf of Mexico.

Juvenile blue tang (fish). Bright yellow body with irridescent blue marking around eye and at top edge of dorsal fin.