conservation; deep-sea corals; effect of humans on; habitat; marine ecosystem management; seamounts; sponges

A coast-wide survey of the distribution and abundance of deep-sea corals from Washington to southern California was conducted during three legs of a cruise aboard the NOAA ship McArthur II. The report provides a summary of the methods and results from underwater surveys of corals, sponges, and associated habitats, invertebrates, and fishes conducted during Leg 3 of the cruise using the ROV on a deep rocky seamount in the Southern California Bight.