In addition to operating research initiatives and targeted small projects in each region of the country, the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program also supports ongoing activities that contribute to broad-reaching objectives. Efforts that benefit multiple regions include outreach projects, genetics research, deep-sea coral and sponge taxonomic guide development, bycatch analysis, habitat suitability modeling, and mapping fishing intensity. The Program also maintains a centralized, national-level database and map portal. Together, this work is informing critical management decisions.

 

Managers in every region of the country have now used the Program’s discoveries and scientific findings to enhance the sustainability of deep-sea fisheries and other ocean uses, while conserving vulnerable and biologically diverse deep-sea coral and sponge habitats

 

Students from College of Charleston (standing left) with initiative Lead Scientist Peter Etnoyer (standing right) in Charleston’s “pop-up” Exploration Command Center during a NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer watch party at Hollings Marine Laboratory
Students from College of Charleston (left) with initiative Lead Scientist Peter Etnoyer (standing right) in Charleston’s “pop-up” Exploration Command Center during a NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer watch party at Hollings Marine Laboratory. Credit: College of Charleston/Bob Podolsky.
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