Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Switch to 4K resolution! (unless it gets jerky, then go to 720).
A video tour of reefs off the SW coast of Barbados, January 2019, at 10-25 m depth (see map at start of video).
Things to notice: (1) Huge biomass of large giant barrel sponges (Xestospongia muta) in unusual growth forms, with sponges overgrowing and smothering live coral heads, (2) fairly high coral cover, particularly of Madracis mirabilis in large mounds, (3) Acropora almost absent (only one patch seen), (4) low macroalgal cover, with lots of black spined sea urchins hiding, but cyano mats in some areas, (5) low fish abundance.
Lots of juvenile hawksbill turtles foraging for sponges - conservation programs are working!!
Switch to 4K resolution! (unless it gets jerky, then go to 720).
A video tour of reefs off the SW coast of Barbados, January 2019, at 10-25 m depth (see map at start of video).
Things to notice: (1) Huge biomass of large giant barrel sponges (Xestospongia muta) in unusual growth forms, with sponges overgrowing and smothering live coral heads, (2) fairly high coral cover, particularly of Madracis mirabilis in large mounds, (3) Acropora almost absent (only one patch seen), (4) low macroalgal cover, with lots of black spined sea urchins hiding, but cyano mats in some areas, (5) low fish abundance.
Lots of juvenile hawksbill turtles foraging for sponges - conservation programs are working!!
