This project will provide critical data to NOAA and for the Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) projects. These data will be used for restoration and to guide future science-based management decisions. This expedition is part of the Open Ocean TIG Final Restoration Plan 2 for MDBC. This plan will have direct consequences for defining the distribution, connectivity, and ecology of vulnerable ecological communities and guiding wise use of the living marine and energy resources.
Location
Gulf of Mexico
Summary
Planned activities are high resolution mapping and CTD rosette casts for eDNA, POM and nutrient analysis.
Info derived
Environmental data to characterize deep benthic habitats with corals and associated ecosystems.
