**NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration: Quick Look Report FY2003**

# Basin: Gulf of Mexico

**Expedition: Northern Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Habitats**

**Project: Documenting Diversity of Deep-Sea Corals**

The following Quick Look Report provides an initial overview of the
accomplishments achieved on project number OE_2003_207: documenting
diversity of deep-sea corals. This project was one of three projects
supported by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (OE) during the
*Northern Gulf of Mexico Deep-Sea Habitats Expedition*.

***[I. GENERAL OVERVIEW:]{.underline}***

*[Project Title:]{.underline}* Documenting diversity of deep-sea corals

*[Principal Investigator:]{.underline}* Peter Etnoyer (Marine
Conservation Biology Institute)

*[Primary Equipment:]{.underline}*

> Vessel: NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN, a 274 ft research vessel based in
> Charleston, SC.
>
> ROV: Innovator heavy work class ROV owned and operated by Sonsub, Inc.
>
> Tracking: Sonardyne tracking system linked with WinFrog positioning
> system
>
> Multibeam: Seabeam 2112

*[Partners:]{.underline}*

-   Marine Conservation Biology Institute

-   University of Alabama

-   NOAA -- Office of Ocean Exploration

-   NOAA -- Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

-   Texas A&M University

-   Sonsub, Inc.

-   C&C Technologies

*[Area of Operation:]{.underline}*

Northern Gulf of Mexico:

-   Viosca Knoll -- MMS Block VK826

-   Viosca Knoll -- MMS Block VK862/906/907

-   Mississippi Canyon -- MMS Block MC885

-   Diaphus Bank

-   Alderdice Bank

-   West Flower Garden Bank

***[II. Summary:]{.underline}***

*[Overview:]{.underline}* This project was designed to complement
ongoing research on deep-sea corals, and was based on experiences gained
during the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (OE) expedition to the Gulf
of Alaska in 2002. Specifically, the expedition provided an opportunity
to test transferable "life cycle" collection and preservation protocols
that I developed with input from experts from institutions involved in
collecting, preserving, and analyzing deep-sea corals. 35 samples were
collected of several varieties of gorgonians, primnoids, and black
corals, and tissue samples were preserved and submitted to the
Smithsonian Institution and California Academy of Sciences for scanning
electron microscope (SEM) identification.

Subsequently**, we learned that we discovered a new species of Primnoid
coral in the family Callogorgia. The "life cycle" collection protocols
are also setting the standard for deep sea coral documentation.** As
evidence, we obtained the first ever in situ documentation of two
Gorgonians in the family Placogorgia and images of *Leiopathes sp.*
polyps will be used in an upcoming peer reviewed publication.

Finally, this project was very successful in working with survey and GIS
specialists from the other two projects to develop a variety of map
products for planning and conducting ROV dives, as well as deriving
information real-time from the ship's Seabeam 2112 multibeam system for
assessing and visualizing areas that have never been surveyed at high
resolution.

*[Schedule:]{.underline}*

Sep 21 - Depart Panama City FL 1400 hrs

Sep 22 - Viosca Knoll site VK826 (day lost due to equipment malfunction)

Sep 23 - Viosca Knoll site VK862/906/907

Sep 24 - Viosca Knoll site VK826

Sep 25 - Green Canyon site GC354, Alderdice Bank, Parker Bank

Sep 26 - Alderdice Bank, Parker Bank

Sep 27 - West Flower Garden Bank

Sep 28 - West Flower Garden Bank

Sep 29 - Diaphus Bank

Sep 30 - Mississippi Canyon site MC885

Oct 1 - Mississippi Canyon site MC118 (day lost due to weather
conditions)

Oct 2 - Arrive Gulfport MS 0900 hrs

Oct 3 - Open House

*[Project Objectives:]{.underline}*

-   Add to an existing biogeographic database that catalogs \~2,700
    deep-sea coral records

-   Develop and test transferable life cycle collection and preservation
    protocols for deep-sea corals

-   Provide scientists with a custom designed 3d visualization tool for
    target selection

*[Key Findings:]{.underline}*

**New or Unidentified species**

We discovered a new species of Primnoid coral in the family Callogorgia.
We also photo-documented several species *in situ* and on deck for the
first time. These images will increase our national capacity to identify
these species of deep sea corals. Previously known species of DSC in the
Gulf of Mexico have not been well photographed or well documented, and I
suspect several interesting results upon further analysis and
investigation at the Smithsonian Institute and the California Academy of
Sciences. One species in particular exhibits the branching morphology
and axis of a gorgonian, with the spicules of a sponge.

A field of Bamboo coral, *Acanella sp.,* was identified at site 862 for
the first time. The specimens were photo documented, but no specimen was
collected in the interest of time, and in deference to other science
parties. Similarly, two large gorgonian species at 826 were targeted for
future collection. Evidence of DSC habitat function was apparent in
almost every case.

**Shallow versus deep-water corals**

While shallow water gorgonians and corals were generally more diverse,
deep water black corals and gorgonians grew larger over greater extents.
*Antipathes sp.*, *Acanella sp.* and *Callogorgia sp.* were all
identified in monotypic fields of various sizes whereas the shallow
water gorgonians appeared in small groups on outcrops with one to six
colonies.

**Protocols**

This expedition was the first test of the DSC Collection Protocols. They
have proven accurate, effective, promising, and time consuming. Life
cycle collection, coupled with complete photo documentation is a two
person job, especially when collections are numerous. All specimens were
documented in situ and on board, with two gorgonians and a few
Antipatharians exhibiting great promise for future on board species
identification, based upon their photo documented polyp morphology.

**Surveying and Mapping**

Multibeam surveys were highly successful, and detailed two dimensional
observations of that data were sufficient to determine target sites. On
board post processing to three dimensions was not possible, due to a
lack of access to MB System and Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) software.
Three dimesional maps and fly throughs of these sites will become
available as the SeaSurveyor data is processed.

*[Initial Impressions/Characterization:]{.underline}*

**New or Unidentified species**

The apparent cross breed, that exhibits the branching morphology and
axis of a gorgonian with the spicules of a sponge, should prove
interesting. My first suspicion was a sponge encrusted dead black coral,
but video indicates several similar colonies in two different sites. Two
of the gorgonians collected were ubiquitous, but unknown to FGBNMS
personnel. They are now well documented as Placogorgia sp., and these
photos will increase our future understanding of their distribution.
On-board photo documentation of their polyp structure, coupled with a
species level identification, will aid in future documentation of their
vertical and latitudinal distribution.

**Shallow versus deep-water corals**

Evidence of habitat function in DSC was one of the unanticipated
accomplishments on this cruise. The Primnoid *Callogorgia* was
identified at Site 885 in a vast monotypic field across muddy substrate.
Most exciting were the egg cases attached to those colonies. One colony
exhibited 10-12 egg cases. Cases were evident on an estimated 80% of
specimens. This documentation is unprecedented, much needed in order to
identify DSC as a candidate for EFH under Magnuson Stevens. Similarly,
*Acanella* appeared to be a preferred habitat forGalatheid crabs, a
relationship that has been documented for Bamboo corals in the NE
Pacific by Shirley et al and for Lophelia, as documented by researchers
at the Smithsonian.

**Protocols**

Over the last several months that anticipated the cruise season, I
assembled a team of DSC researchers from half a dozen institutions
willing to consult on DSC Collection protocols. This DSC Panel of
Experts includes individuals from Harbor Branch, Wood's Hole, NMNH,
MBARI, CAS, NURP, Duke Univ., Univ. of Connecticut, and Univ. of Oregon.
This exercise allowed us to envision the "ideal DSC specimen
collection".

These protocols proved challenging and highly profitable. Continued
exploration of these protocols in different regions will develop them
further, and result in quantifiable future benefits to field, lab, and
classroom taxonomy. The photo and video products have already generated
much excitement among visiting educators.

The procedures I used to collect samples included in-situ, on board, and
microscope photography of most specimens. Duplicate samples were
preserved in ethanol, and larger tissue samples were frozen.
Essentially, samples were preserved in triplicate. This duplication not
only adds to my confidence and security level, but allows me to
distribute samples to researchers with parallel interests, eg. genetics
and biomaterials applications, without sacrificing my own materials.

**Surveying and Mapping**

The video transects resulting from these cruises should prove highly
profitable for quantifying DSC distribution and abundance.

Real time 3D viewing of targets remains to be seen in the next cruise
season, and is highly dependent on one of two options, a) access to MB
System computer software. This free and onboard, but unaccessable at the
time of the cruise. Or b) access to CARIS and Fledermaus software, two
five figure software programs. The least expensive option is access to
MBSystem and GMT.

***[Accomplishments:]{.underline}***

1.  ROV operations - See attached.

2.  Samples -- See attached. 35 Samples were collected in four different
    families. One new species of Callogorgia. First ever in-situ
    photographs of *Swiftia sp*. and *Placogorgia sp.* Six additional
    species were documented in situ, and some represented first
    occurrences in those regions. *Acanella sp.* was documented shallow
    than previously known in MC862.

3.  Mapping operations -- 100 sq km of DSC rich GOM topography.

4.  Education and outreach -- 150 school age children were briefly
    educated about the range and distribution of deep sea corals, their
    function in the deep sea ecosystem, and their potential benefits to
    society via biomaterials applications.

5.  Web-site contributions

    a.  3D mission fly through

    b.  Article on the Diversity of Deep Sea Corals

    c.  Article on the Life of a Specimen

***[Thoughts for the Future:]{.underline}***

MC862 has proven to be rich in unusual deep sea coral species in this
part of the GOM. I recommend future investigations at this site.
Likewise, I recommend further testing and proliferation of the DSC
Collection Protocols. This document has proven an easy reference, is
well received by the research community, and holds promise to increase
our national capacity in DSC Taxonomy.

Also, several DSC species exhibit unique and previously undocumented
habitat function. I recommend further interdisciplinary studies
documenting DSC species associations. In particular, *Callogorgia sp.*
should be further documented for it's association with elasmobranch
species for applications to EFH provisions of Magnuson Stevens.

***[Appendices:]{.underline}***

A.  Data Collected -- A spreadsheet of DSC collections on this cruise.

B.  Sample images- Attached "life cycle photography" sample representing
    microphotography effort for gorgonian species.

C.  Dive Logs -- Taconya will provide