Publications

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program compiles, curates, and makes public a National Database of biogeographic data and information on deep-sea corals and sponges. This report details developments and enhancements to the database since it became accessible through the online portal in 2015.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program convened a two-day science priorities workshop on May 2-3, 2023 to build partnerships and set research priorities for the program’s four-year (2023-2026) Northeast Deep-Sea Coral Initiative.
 

NOAA’s Deep-Sea Coral Research Technology Program began a 4-year funding initiative for the U.S. West Coast in 2018. The goals of the West Coast Deep-Sea Coral Initiative were to: 1) gather baseline information on deep-sea corals and sponges in areas subject to fishing regulation changes prior to the implementation of Amendment 28; 2) improve our understanding of known deep-sea coral and sponge bycatch “hot spots”; and 3) explore and assess deep-sea coral and sponge resources within NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries with emphasis on areas of sanctuary resource protection and management concerns. Following the 2018 research expedition supported by NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada (Laidig et al., 2021), a second research cruise was planned for 2019 to further survey seafloor communities in priority areas off the West Coast from Washington to California. The 2019 expedition spanned 35 days (4 Oct–7 Nov) and was conducted from the NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker, beginning and ending in San Diego, CA. Surveys were conducted in deeper areas (generally 500-1200 m) in 2019 than in 2018 (limited to < 650 m). These two expeditions provide data on seafloor communities and deep-sea coral and sponge assemblages over a broad range of depths (50-1200 m).

Have you ever wondered what the seafloor looks like in Alaska? Join us to learn about Alaska's deep-sea coral and sponge habitats, how we study them, and what it's like to be a student intern with NOAA's Deep Sea Coral Research Technology Program.

Shore-based submersible operations, from 2006 to 2020, have allowed us to examine megabenthic assemblages along the island margin of Isla de Roatán from depths of about 150 to 750 m, including repeated observations of the same organisms. These dives were used to photo-document a diverse benthic assemblage and observe the health and condition of the sessile fauna in a well-explored but relatively undocumented area of the Mesoamerican Reef.

This study analyzed alpha and beta diversity of mesophotic coral forests on fourteen topographic banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The objective of the study was to examine differences in structure and community in relation to lease stipulations established by the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management.

Did you know that corals live in the deep, cold waters of Alaska? Come learn about deep-sea corals and sponges, and their importance for underwater communities in Alaska. We will talk about how we study these cold water creatures, how they have adapted to this environment, and how they eat and grow. The webinar is about 60 minutes long with moderated questions and answers throughout. Aimed at grades 2-8, but all ages will enjoy. (Recorded on March 16, 2021) Pam Goddard, Vanessa Lowe, and Rachel Wilborn, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seattle, WA.

This report summarizes fiscal year 2018 and 2019 activities that supported management decisions, improved our understanding of deep-sea coral communities, and prioritized partnerships to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Operating through NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Conservation, and funded at approximately $2.3 million annually to support national-scale research, the Program collaborates widely to cost-effectively study the role of corals in support of deep-sea ecosystems.

The Pourtalès Terrace is an exposed hard-bottom platform located south of the Florida Keys in 200–450 m depth with a diverse deep-sea coral ecosystem dominated by stylasterid hydrocorals, octocorals, and sponges that supports recreational and commercial fisheries. Here we report analyses of historic Terrace physiographic and geologic data with more recent high-resolution bathymetric and benthic data to statistically derive a benthic community characterization across the Terrace.

We provide the first consideration of larval connectivity among deep-sea sponge populations along the southeastern coast of North America, illustrate the influence of the Gulf Stream on dispersal, and complement published distribution models by evaluating colonization potential.