Impact of Skeletal Heterogeneity and Treatment Method on Interpretation of Environmental Variability from the Proteinaceous Skeletons of Deep-Sea Gorgonian Octocorals

The stable isotope geochemistry of gorgonian octocoral skeletons facilitates detailed time series reconstructions of nutrient biogeochemistry. However, comparisons among reconstructions from different locations require realistic estimates of the uncertainty surrounding each measured geochemical value. Here, we determine quantitative uncertainties related to 1) standard skeletal pretreatment in preparation for stable isotopic analysis and 2) biological variability associated with a heterogeneous isotopic composition of the gorgonin skeleton.

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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

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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

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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