Stetson Bank Nms

This dive site, Stetson Bank, is located approximately 48 kilometers northwest of the Flower Gardens. It was added to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in October 1996, serving as a crucial biological reservoir for Caribbean species within the northern Gulf of Mexico. The sanctuary's unique environment is shaped by distinct temperature variations – Stetson Bank experiences slightly cooler temperatures during winter compared to the Flower Gardens. Despite these colder conditions, the bank boasts an unusually rich fish community. The seabed presents a fascinating geological landscape due to its formation as surface expressions of salt diapirs, capped with uplifted layers of claystone and sandstone. These formations have eroded unevenly, creating a distinctive 'moonscape' appearance. Stetson Bank is classified as a pelagic zone feature, resting on a bedrock foundation composed primarily of clay and siltstone. Notably, it’s one of the smallest mid-shelf banks within this region.