About the Program
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
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
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
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 PortalRegional 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.
West Coast Wraps Up Exciting 4-Year Deep-Sea Coral Initiative
The effort has greatly improved our understanding of deep-sea corals and sponges off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, particularly within na
Summer Expeditions will Explore Widespread Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Communities in Alaska
In 2023, a series of expeditions will help NOAA and partners to better understand the diversity and extent of ecologically important seafloor communities in
Deep-Sea Coral Research to Gain New Understanding of Alaska Fish Habitat
A multiyear, international study is using innovative technology to shed light on what red corals need to reproduce and sustain their populations, and how the
New Report to Congress Highlights Exciting Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Discoveries
The 2022 Deep-Sea Coral Report to Congress, showcases new accomplishments and scientific discoveries and summarizes exciting activities f
Cancer-Fighting Green Sponge Brings More Than Just Good Luck!
The unique green color of the Latrunculina austini sponge gives it St. Patrick’s Day spirit all year long.
Student Interns Take a Virtual Dive into the World of Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges
From coast to coast, college seniors and recent graduates contribute to NOAA’s Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program research goals through unique p