About Us

About the Program

This intricate and robust octocoral (Corallidae) was seen on a largely sparse seafloor during Dive 12 of the 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration

NOAA’s Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program is the nation’s only federal research program dedicated to increasing scientific understanding of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems and providing resource managers with scientific studies to inform conservation actions. Established in 2007 under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act, the Program supports NOAA’s role in actively managing fishing impacts and other threats to deep-sea coral and sponge habitat.

Deep Sea Coral Highlights

A flowery translucent white sponge sits on the seafloor with a small pink shrimp at its center. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust, NOAA Sanctuaries

West Coast Deep Sea Coral Initiative Final Report

Read our newly released report that highlights new information about deep-sea corals and sponges off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, particularly within national marine sanctuaries.

Read the report
A close-up of a bright purple branching coral

2022 Report to Congress

Read our newly released 2022 Report to Congress! The report highlights impressive discoveries, science-informed management decisions, benefits of collaborative partnerships, and more. 

Read the report
Screenshot of the deep sea coral and sponge map portal.

Deep-Sea Coral Data Portal

Access the data portal with our national deep-sea coral and sponge database, related map layers, StoryMaps, data dashboards, and more.

Data Portal

Regional Research Initiatives

The Program coordinates and manages research initiatives in every region of the United States. Click on a region to learn more about our work there.

Latest News

Explore the latest from the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program.

Blog Listing