The purpose of this science plan is to outline a general strategy for the execution and completion of the most important research activities conducted under the Alaska Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Initiative (AKCSI). The plan outlines the general approach and proposed research. Research projects supported by the 2020-2023 AKCSI will consist of the following:
Did you know that corals live in the deep, cold waters of Alaska? Come learn about deep-sea corals and sponges, and their importance for underwater communities in Alaska. We will talk about how we study these cold water creatures, how they have adapted to this environment, and how they eat and grow. The webinar is about 60 minutes long with moderated questions and answers throughout. Aimed at grades 2-8, but all ages will enjoy. (Recorded on March 16, 2021) Pam Goddard, Vanessa Lowe, and Rachel Wilborn, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seattle, WA.
This report summarizes fiscal year 2018 and 2019 activities that supported management decisions, improved our understanding of deep-sea coral communities, and prioritized partnerships to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Operating through NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Conservation, and funded at approximately $2.3 million annually to support national-scale research, the Program collaborates widely to cost-effectively study the role of corals in support of deep-sea ecosystems.
The Pourtalès Terrace is an exposed hard-bottom platform located south of the Florida Keys in 200–450 m depth with a diverse deep-sea coral ecosystem dominated by stylasterid hydrocorals, octocorals, and sponges that supports recreational and commercial fisheries.
We provide the first consideration of larval connectivity among deep-sea sponge populations along the southeastern coast of North America, illustrate the influence of the Gulf Stream on dispersal, and complement published distribution models by evaluating colonization potential.
The Program, in partnership with NOAA Ocean Exploration, enabled a field research program in the Pacific Islands region between 2015–2017 that provided a first look at deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems in the marine monuments throughout the region, and in other areas of interest such as hydrothermal vents and seeps, isolated seamounts, and mid-water biological and chemical characterization. This report covers the deep-sea coral and sponge research.
This report includes a summary of activities related to three deep-sea coral research cruises conducted within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary between August 2014 and August 2015.
Patterns in deep-sea corals: seawater chemistry data report for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
The effort has greatly improved our understanding of deep-sea corals and sponges off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, particularly within na
In 2023, a series of expeditions will help NOAA and partners to better understand the diversity and extent of ecologically important seafloor communities in
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