A Characterization of Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Communities in Areas of High Bycatch in Bottom Trawls off Northern California

Using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and towed camera system (TCS), deep-sea corals, sponges, and seafloor habitats were visually surveyed for the first time in areas of longtime trawl fishing off northern California. During an 11-day cruise aboard the R/V Point Sur 8-18 September 2014, researchers completed 6 dives with the AUV and 9 deployments of the TCS, and spent over 42 hours underwater at depths of 586-1169 meters from the Oregon-California border to the Mendocino Ridge.

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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