Deep Sea Coral Report to Congress 2018

In December 2018, NOAA Fisheries released the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program 2018 Report to Congress.

The report highlights the discoveries of never-before-seen deep-sea coral habitats and new species found during the past two years (fiscal years 2016 and 2017).

It also describes research activities funded by the Program to meet NOAA’s mandate to identify, study, and monitor deep-sea coral areas.

Mid Atlantic Coral | photo credit: NOAA

The deep sea is the largest habitat on Earth, and the least well known. Deep-sea coral habitats occur in every U.S. region, providing important ecological and fisheries benefits.

NOAA’s Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program was established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA §408), to identify, locate, and map deep-sea coral habitat in consultation with U.S. regional fishery management councils.

The MSA requires a biennial report to Congress summarizing the steps taken by NOAA to identify, monitor, and protect deep-sea coral areas, including the Program’s research activities and results.

The Program engages with the nation’s eight regional fishery management councils and collaborates on research with other federal agencies, international partners, and nongovernmental and academic scientists.

The Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program collaborates with other NOAA programs and offices, such as National Marine Sanctuaries, Ocean Exploration and Research, Fisheries science centers and regional offices, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and the National Centers for Environmental Information.

For more information, visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/announcing-deep-sea-coral-research-and-technology-program-2018-report-congress.

source: NOAA Fisheries