Explore our educational resources, including StoryMaps, curricula, and videos on deep-sea corals and sponges from NOAA and partners.

StoryMaps are web-based applications that bring together maps, text, and multimedia to share a narrative. Our collection illustrates deep-sea coral and sponge habitat research and protections across the nation.

NOAA Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program StoryMaps:

 

 

A blue-gray spiny dogfish swimming above orangey branching corals. Credit: University of Connecticut, University of Maine, NOAA Fisheries
A team observed spiny dogfish, cusk, and tree corals at outer Schoodic Ridge during a 2014 expedition in the Gulf of Maine. Credit: The University of Connecticut's Northeast Underwater Research, Technology and Education Center; University of Maine; NOAA Fisheries

 

Other NOAA StoryMaps:

 

Partner StoryMaps:

 

Here, educators and enthusiasts can find a variety of curricula to share the wonders of deep-sea corals and sponges with students and others.

 

A closeup of pink corals and a yellow sponge in the deep sea. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
A yellow sponge, basket star, white ruffle sponge, and white-branched sponge on the Davidson Seamount off the coast of California. Credit: NOAA, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

NOAA Educational Materials:

 

Partner Educational Materials:

 

These videos provide a glimpse into coral and sponge life in the deep sea!

Several different vibrantly colored animals, including a mushroom coral (center), precious pink coral (right), bamboo coral (left), and feather stars (center) near Jarvis Island in the U.S. Pacific Islands. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration
Several different vibrantly colored animals, including a mushroom coral (center), precious pink coral (right), bamboo coral (left), and feather stars (center) near Jarvis Island in the U.S. Pacific Islands. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration

NOAA videos: