Southeastern United States 

Deep-Sea Corals (SEADESC) Initiative:

NOAA Technical Memorandum OAR OER 1

A Collaboration to Characterize Areas 

of Habitat Forming Deep-Sea Corals

2007
CITATION

Partyka, M.L., S.W. Ross, A.M. Quattrini, G.R. Sedberry, T.W. Birdsong, J. Potter, S. Gottfried. 2007. Southeastern 

United States Deep-Sea Corals (SEADESC) Initiative: A Collaborative Effort to Characterize Areas of 

Habitat-Forming Deep-Sea Corals. NOAA Technical Memorandum OAR OER 1. Silver Spring, MD. 176 pp.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (grants to lead principal investigators S.W. Ross and G.R. Sedberry) 

largely supported field work and some of the data analyses for this project. United States Geological 

Survey (through the State Partnership Program), Minerals Management Service, South Atlantic Fishery 

Management Council, and Environmental Defense contributed funds to help with analyses. We thank the 

NC State legislature for partial support. We thank the Friends of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 

especially Liz Baird and Stephanie Hollomon, for help in managing some project funding. We thank Betsy 

Bennett of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for supporting the Ross et al. projects. Art Howard 

assisted the Ross et al. cruises with photography and videography support. USGS Florida Integrated 

Science Center provided some personnel and logistics support for many cruises (S.W. Ross et al. cruises). 

A-M Necaise and K. Roth assisted with some SEADESC analyses. We thank the SEADESC committee for 

their support and enthusiasm, and especially acknowledge Martha Nizinski, Doug Rader, and Andy Shepard 

for their support, including report reviews. We thank Harbor Branch Oceanographic Inst. ship, submersible 

and shore-based personnel for assisting with numerous cruises. We offer our special thanks to The 

DesignPond, in particular Michael James and Sheri Beauregard for their outstanding contributions to the 

design of this report.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this report or to request a copy, please contact the NOAA Office of Ocean 

Exploration and Research, at 301-734-1010 or write to: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 

SSMC#3 10th Floor, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Copies may also be downloaded 

in total, at: www.explore.noaa.gov. Information about this report and project can also be obtained from 

S.W. Ross (see author’s addresses)

DISCLAIMER

Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for 

their use by the United States government. 

Front cover Image. View from inside the JSL submersible near the top of a deep-sea coral mound off Cape Lookout, North Carolina 

(JSLI-4893, 18 Oct 2005, depth about 370 m). Photo credit: Art Howard.

Back Cover Image. Section of the deep-sea scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa collected off the southeastern United States by 

submersible. Photo credit: Art Howard

NOTE: The NOAA Ocean Exploration and Research Program (OER) resulted from the merger of the NOAA Office of Ocean 

Exploration (OE) and the National Undersea Research Program (NURP). 
Melissa L. Partyka1

, Steve W. Ross1,*, Andrea M. Quattrini1, George R. Sedberry2, 

Timothy W. Birdsong3,4,, Jeremy Potter3 , Susan Gottfried5

1

UNC-Wilmington, Center for Marine Science

5600 Marvin Moss Ln.

Wilmington, NC 28409

*Currently assigned (through Intergovernmental Personnel Act) to:

US Geological Survey, Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies, St Petersburg, FL

2

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

10 Ocean Science Circle

Savannah, GA 31411

3

NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research

1315 East-West Hwy., SSMC 3

Silver Spring, MD 20910

4

Current Address: Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744

5

NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center

1100 Balch Blvd., Room 101, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

Southeastern United States 

Deep-Sea Corals (SEADESC) Initiative:

A Collaboration to Characterize Areas 

of Habitat Forming Deep-Sea Corals
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Project Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Dive tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

SEADESC habitat classification and video analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Database development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Site Overviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Appendix I

SEADESC Steering Committee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Appendix II

Habitat Classification Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Appendix III

Site Characterization and Dive Summary Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

 Cape Lookout A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

 Cape Lookout B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

 Cape Fear Lophelia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

 Stetson Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

 Savannah Banks East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

 Savannah Banks West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

 Charleston Bump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

 Jacksonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

 Cape Canaveral North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

 Cape Canaveral South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Single Dive Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Appendix IV

Visual Basic Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Table of Contents

PAGE 3. The gorgonian, Plumarella pourtalesii (Primnoidae), is attached to a piece of Lophelia pertusa, 

collected at the Stetson Banks (JSL 4898, 21 Oct 2005, 618 m). Photo credit: Art Howard.



S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
Introduction

Most continental slope habitats are 

poorly studied and in many cases 

are completely unknown. These 

deeper areas, between 200 to 

2000 m, are important frontiers and serve as a 

transition from the continental shelf into the deep sea. Fisheries 

are expanding rapidly beyond continental shelf depths (Koslow et al. 

2000; Roberts 2002), and hydrocarbon exploration and development 

are also exploiting these depths more frequently. Off the southeastern 

United States (SEUS) coast and in the Gulf of Mexico there are several 

unique and productive deep-sea habitats that have been difficult to 

study with conventional methods because the bottom topography is 

very rugged and overlain by strong currents (e.g., Gulf Stream). This 

project was conceived from a need to better document and understand 

these ecosystems and to rapidly provide research data that are 

generally not otherwise available.


Deep (cold water, aphotic) coral reef systems are 

receiving increasing attention worldwide. There is 

evidence that deep-sea corals are important fish habitat 

(Costello et al. 2005; Ross and Quattrini 2007), a 

repository of data on ocean climate and productivity 

(Adkins et al. 1998; Williams et al. 2006, in press), and 

are hotspots of increased biodiversity, including 

undescribed species. These high-profile features 

concentrate biotic resources and enhance local 

productivity in ways similar to seamounts (Rogers 1994; 

Koslow 1997). Deep reefs are more extensive and 

important than previously known (e.g., Roberts et al. 

2006) and are facing a variety of threats (e.g., fishing, 

energy exploration, ocean acidification) (Rogers 1999; 

Koslow et al. 2000; Morgan et al. 2006). Locating, 

describing, and mapping deep corals and conducting 

basic biological studies in these habitats are global and 

regional priorities (McDonough and Puglise 2003; 

Roberts and Hirshfield 2003; Puglise et al. 2005).

The SEUS and Gulf of Mexico may have the most 

extensive deep coral areas in the U.S. (Hain and Corcoran 

2004); however, these large regions are poorly explored 

(even considering recent expeditions). Lophelia pertusa 

is the dominant deep-sea reef-forming coral off the 

SEUS, found from North Carolina through the Gulf of 

Mexico > 200 m deep. Numerous other species of hard 

and soft corals also contribute to the deep reef systems 

in the SEUS and Gulf of Mexico (Brooke and Schroeder 

in press; Ross and Nizinski in press). On the SEUS 

continental slope, deep-sea coral habitats typically 

occur at depths between 370 and 870 m (Stetson et al. 

1962; Paull et al. 2000; Popenoe and Manheim 2001; 

Large living Lophelia pertusa bush at the Cape Lookout B 

site (JSLI-4695, 16 Jun 2004, 411 m). Note that the coral’s 

extended polyps can be seen. A galatheoid crab, Eumunida 

picta, is perched near the center and below that is the 

urchin, Echinus tylodes. Hydroids and brittle stars 

(Ophiacantha bidentata) are also within the coral matrix. 

Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.

Close-up of living (white) Lophelia pertusa growing alongside 

a Madrepora oculata hard coral (pink) at the Cape Lookout B 

site (JSLII-3429, 23 Aug 2003, 416 m). The urchin, Echinus 

tylodes, is on the top of the pink coral, and the small, slender 

pinkish arms mixed in with the dead (grey) coral are brittlestars 

(Ophiacantha bidentata). Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.



S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
Reed 2002; Reed and Ross 2005; Reed et al. 2006) and 

appear to be oases of marine life offering both food and 

shelter for a diverse and unique fauna of fishes and 

invertebrates.

The Southeastern United States Deep-Sea Corals 

(SEADESC) initiative began in 2004 to provide a means 

of rapidly delivering general, small-scale habitat 

composition data from deep-sea (> 200 m) habitats in 

the region. The scientific community needed a means 

of sharing data from ongoing studies without 

jeopardizing future publication capabilities, while 

management and education groups needed information 

more rapidly than normally provided through the 

scientific publication process. The intent of this project 

was to provide basic habitat and other information 

(e.g., project metadata, bottom photographs, dominant 

biota) to a variety of users in a timely fashion. The 

initial focus of SEADESC was on deep-sea coral habitats, 

and because the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration 

(NOAA-OE) helped begin this effort and had funded 

several research missions related to deep coral habitats, 

deep coral projects funded by NOAA-OE were prioritized. 

Also, because of a strong interest in the project by the 

regional NOAA Undersea Research Center (NURC at 

UNC-Wilmington), a small test data set from shallower 

(< 200 m) Florida Oculina surveys was included. Since 

the focus of this report is on the SEUS slope deep-sea 

corals, the Oculina survey data are not included here, 

but will be included in future revisions. A SEADESC 

steering committee representing a variety of interests 

and skills (Appendix I) was formed to determine content, 

evaluate protocols, and generally guide the project. 

Subsequently, a core working group was established to 

accomplish data analyses and carry the project to the 

current stage. Multiple sources provided initial funding 

for the project (see Acknowledgements).

General SEADESC Objectives

1 Characterize and map selected SEUS deep-sea coral 

areas based on projects funded by NOAA-OE from 

2001-2004,

2 Develop methods to provide rapid access to deepsea coral data as well as other related deep-sea 

ecosystem data to facilitate management decisions 

(e.g., HAPC designation, permitting, ecosystembased management),

3 Facilitate ongoing and new scientific investigations 

on SEUS deep coral habitats,

4 Use products to help prioritize areas for future 

exploration,

5 Use SEADESC to help coordinate regional deep-sea 

coral management and research,

6 Facilitate education and outreach related to deepsea corals.

Project Scope

The project’s goal was to generate bottom habitat 

characterizations along with basic metadata from 

direct observations that are useful to a broad audience, 

have reasonable repeatability (with simplified, clearly 

defined habitat categories), and that could be generated 

quickly. This phase of SEADESC focused on projects 

Close-up views such as this one from the North Cape Canaveral 

site (JSLI-4703, 20 Jun 2004, 749 m) often reveal a great variety 

of small filter feeders attached to the coral or rocky substrata. 

The large pinkish octocoral is in the family Nephtheidae. 

Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.


funded by NOAA-OE in the SEUS (see Fig. 1 for spatial 

coverage), which used a manned submersible (JohnsonSea-Link, JSL; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, 

HBOI) to make video observations of bottom habitats. 

Analyzing these data involved defining basic habitat 

categories, creating and correcting submersible tracks, 

developing video analysis protocols, developing a 

database for storage and manipulation of data, and 

generating summary dive and site forms (see Methods 

for details). The habitat categories developed here were 

somewhat general with only a moderate level of detail. 

Developing more detailed habitat classifications (e.g., 

Greene et al. 1999; Madden et al. 2005), while useful, 

was beyond the scope of this project and would have 

defeated the purpose of simple, rapid classification. 

Habitat definitions and protocols could be applied to 

other data collection efforts, and in the future, these 

could replace existing protocols for summarizing 

research data in near-real time or soon after 

collection.

This project differs from other efforts in several 

fundamental ways. First, the protocol emphasized 

direct observation and classification of bottom habitats 

with subsequent georeferencing of those observations. 

Second, this effort provided more bottom detail and 

positional accuracy than presented in previous projects. 

While time consuming, this data verification, often 

missing in other data syntheses, added significantly to 

the product’s utility. Additionally, extensive project and 

individual observation metadata were embedded in a 

searchable database. Finally, the project was created to 

High diversity of animals is shown in this view of the bottom at the Cape Fear coral bank off North Carolina (JSLI-4896, 20 Oct 2005, 

386 m). Living (white) and dead (grey) Lophelia pertusa coral forms the habitat which is occupied by a conger eel (upper center, 

Conger oceanicus), several species of anemones, squat lobsters (Eumunida picta), and urchins. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.



S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
be upgradeable, expandable, and Web (Internet) 

portable.

Applicability

The SEADESC committee and NOAA-OE recognized that 

the protocols, definitions, and analyses undertaken in 

this project could have wider applicability and serve a 

variety of oceanic sampling activities, beyond corals, 

the SEUS region, and the depth zone examined here. 

The products generated should be useful for research, 

management, and education activities. While this 

version is produced in a hardcopy format, these data 

forms and corresponding text can be made electronic 

and Web accessible, thus increasing the utility. New 

data can be incorporated as they are collected and 

analyzed. The research community can use the 

summaries to plan future investigations. SEADESC can 

provide previously unavailable information, such as a 

general review of the fauna, habitat types, and bottom 

appearance, including slope angle, profile, and substrata. 

This knowledge would facilitate choosing research 

locations as well as habitat based management.

SEADESC can provide various agencies with data 

necessary to help make management decisions and 

evaluate slope habitats along the SEUS. For example, 

the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 

(SAFMC), the primary fishery management organization 

for SEUS marine waters, can use explicit habitat data 

and general resource data provided by SEADESC to help 

define Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the SAFMC’s 

Fishery Ecosystem Plan and Fishery Management Plans. 

These data will contribute to the Council’s Coral Fishery 

Management Plan, Deep Coral Research Plan, Deep 

Water Snapper Grouper FMP, designation of Coral 

Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs), and future 

Marine Protected Area 

designations. SEADESC can 

also provide bottom habitat 

data required by the U.S. 

Department of Interior’s 

Minerals Management 

Service, the federal agency 

charged with managing 

offshore mineral and energy 

resources. Although states 

in the region generally do 

not manage deep water 

resources, state agencies 

evaluate offshore activities 

(e.g., oil exploration) for 

their impacts on state 

resources and their 

consistency with the Coastal 

Zone Management Act. 

SEADESC bottom habitat 

data will be valuable in such 

evaluations undertaken by 

state agencies. 

Figure 1. Plot of submersible stations from projects funded by NOAA-OE from 2001 through 

2005 by Principal Investigator and project year. Data from the Ross et al. and Sedberry et al. 

projects deeper than 200 m through 2004 are presented in this report. More dives were made 

than are apparent in the figure due to symbol overlapping.


METHODS

A

rchived submersible data were processed in 

two steps. First, submersible and ship data 

were processed to produce an accurate 

track map of the submersible’s route along 

the bottom. Second, video data were analyzed to 

classify benthic habitats along the submersible’s track. 

These steps are reviewed below.



S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
Dive tracks

For various reasons, the data collected by the submersible 

and its support ship were at times inaccurate, 

incomplete, or inconsistently formatted. Before the 

tracks of each JSL dive could be mapped, these data 

required conversion and editing. Positional data 

available for each dive consisted of: 1) relative positions 

of the JSL based on the shipboard tracking system, and 

2) JSL depth information collected with the JSL mounted 

CTD (SBE19+, 25) instrument. JSL bottom positions 

were logged on the support ship at irregular intervals, 

ranging from 4 sec to as much as 10 min. Data collected 

while the submersible was on bottom were imported 

into two separate MS Excel spreadsheets, a dive track 

spreadsheet from support ship data and a JSL CTD 

spreadsheet. Next, latitudes and longitudes were 

converted to decimal degrees, and all data outside the 

bounds of the recorded bottom time for the dive were 

removed. Erroneous JSL bottom position data were 

also removed and were determined as follows. With a 

maximum forward JSL speed of 1 kn (per HBOI) and a 

possible bottom current speed of 1 kn from the stern, 

the maximum distance that the JSL could travel in one 

second (2 kn speed) was 0.00001 degrees. To be 

conservative in data removal we doubled this distance 

(to 0.00002 degrees or 2.22 m) and used it as the 

maximum possible distance that could be covered in 

one second. The time difference between temporally 

adjacent bottom positions was determined from the 

location log and multiplied times this maximum JSL 

distance, yielding a maximum theoretical distance 

between each position. The actual logged distance 

between each adjacent (temporally) pair of positions 

was calculated and compared to the maximum 

theoretical distance for that pair. When actual distances 

were greater than the theoretical distance for that pair, 

the later position point was eliminated. Depth data 

(scan number and depth in meters) for the dive from 

the CTD spreadsheet were then imported into the dive 

track spreadsheet. The scan number was used as a 

proxy for time (sec) to calculate real-time. Depth data 

(from the CTD) were then paired with position data 

(from the dive track) based on real-time data collection. 

Finally, columns for habitat data, SEADESC habitat 

code, video time (see below) and image were added to 

the data set. Habitat data were added as videos were 

analyzed. This final dataset was saved in Excel (.xls) 

and then imported into a personal geodatabase (.mdb) 

created for each year of the project. Personal 

geodatabases are ESRI software based and use MS 

Access to store and organize spatial data. Using ESRI’s 

ArcCatalog, these geodatabase tables were projected 

spatially and turned into XY feature classes, or shapefiles 

(.shp). These .shp files were added to a blank map in 

ESRI’s ArcMap where they were further inspected for 

erroneous data points. Finally, the cleaned dive track 

shapefile was incorporated into ESRI’s ArcScene, a 3-D 

Launching of the Johnson-Sea-Link (JSL) 4-man submersible 

(2001). This is the primary tool used to collect benthic habitat 

data evaluated in this project. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.

PAGE 8. Support ship R/V Seward Johnson awaits the evening return of the JSL submersible from a 

deep coral mound dive (Oct 2005). Photo credit: Art Howard. 
mapping extension of ArcMap. The .shp files were 

projected into 3-D space with minimal vertical 

exaggeration and examined again for outlying data 

points not noticeable in 2-D views. Available bathymetry 

data, mostly unpublished and collected during these 

projects, were also edited and used to construct base 

maps for the dive areas.

SEADESC Habitat Classifications and Video Analysis

Video data were primarily acquired using an externally 

mounted camera on the JSL’s bow. This was 

supplemented in many dives by video recorded with a 

handheld camera through the JSL’s bow viewing dome. 

Additional video recorded on internal and external stern 

cameras were typically not used but were occasionally 

referenced. All original JSL video was recorded on mini 

DV (the majority), Hi-8, or HD media. Based on 

preliminary analysis of available imagery, thirteen 

habitat types were defined by the SEADESC committee 

Single beam sonar image of the bottom illustrating the rugged 

nature of deep-sea coral mounds. Before submersible dives, 

each potential dive site was explored with single beam sonar. 

While single beam data are useful, multibeam sonar systems 

provide much better detail of the bottom.

View from inside the JSL submersible sphere of pilot Tim 

Askew (Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution) operating 

the JSL (Oct 2005). Photo credit: Art Howard.

10

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
to generally describe substrate and habitats on and 

around deep coral banks throughout the SEUS (Appendix 

II). A SEADESC habitat photo guide (Appendix II ) was 

created to help analysts classify habitats while viewing 

the dive videos. Each time the habitat changed, the 

time was recorded. Thus, habitat data could be 

incorporated into the dive track files. When the real 

time was not displayed on the video overlay, the running 

time on the DVD/mini DV counter was recorded. 

Running time was converted to real time using visual 

cues (e.g., collections) or audio commentary. When the 

video was too dark, out of focus, or the JSL was too 

high in the water column for positive habitat 

classification, no habitat data were recorded.

General observations on the habitat and associated 

fauna included in the database resulted from either the 

audio recordings of the scientists in the bow of the JSL 

or from the video analyst. Observations noted on dive 

summary forms included dominant fish and invertebrate 

species, types of attached macrofauna, general 

percentage of live versus dead coral, bottom profile, 

water clarity, and human disturbance (i.e., garbage). 

We emphasize that these were not exhaustive analyses, 

but were intended to provide a general, but accurate, 

impression of the bottom.

Still frame grabs were clipped from the video where 

corresponding location information was available. 

Stills were extracted and enhanced using Topaz Moment 

v2.1 and saved according to dive number, time segment 

and habitat. The stills that best exemplified the variety 

of habitat types seen during the dive were used in each 

dive summary form. During some dives, JSL location 

data were not logged because the tracking system 

failed. In these instances, still frame grabs (without 

accompanying positions) that displayed the best habitat 

views were used in the dive summary forms.

View from inside the JSL submersible looking out onto a coral field at the Cape Lookout B site (JSLI-4893, 18 Oct 2005, 366 m). A trap 

containing squat lobsters (Eumunida picta) is being retrieved. Photo credit: Art Howard.

11
Database Development

Structure

The creation of the SEADESC database was an iterative 

process. The database (MS Access) framework was 

constructed to allow for data entry, organization and 

detailed querying by multiple users. All data were 

entered using forms that were developed within the 

database for each of the primary tables (see below). 

Because MS Access does not allow rich text characters 

(e.g., italics or superscripts) to be entered directly into 

tables, forms were required and rich text was stored as 

code in the associated tables.

Three primary tables were developed for summary dive 

data. The “Dive Data” table contained dive statistics 

such as start and end times/positions as well as min/

max depths. The second table, the “Dive Overview” 

table, contained metadata about the project during 

which the dive took place, scientists participating in 

the dive, and the analysts responsible for habitat 

classifications. Path names for images and their rich 

text captions were also stored in this table (described 

below). A third table, “Dive Memos,” was developed to 

store (in rich text format) the biological and physical 

environment synopses as well as additional comments 

for each dive.

Two primary site characterization tables were organized 

similarly, with one table (“Site Summary”) providing 

detailed information on each of the dives contained in 

a site, and the other table (“Site Overview”) storing 

image path names and site synopses (in rich text 

format). Auxiliary tables were also created to store 

Principal Investigator (PI) contact information, site 

names, research vessel names, project names and 

purposes, and literature cited. The auxiliary tables were 

sources, or lookup tables, for the primary tables. 

Dive summary reports were created by querying the 

database. A query generated a report that displayed 

only the data corresponding to that specific dive. 

Specifically, a query was run on the three primary tables 

(dive data table, dive overview table, and dive memos 

table) for each dive. Similarly, two queries were run on 

the site summary and site overview tables to create the 

site characterization reports.

Several sections of Visual Basic (VB) code (Appendix IV) 

were incorporated into the database to insure proper 

loading of site and dive specific images and maps into 

the appropriate reports. These lines of code enabled 

the use of relative path names (pointing to where 

images were stored) for each image in the database. 

Storing the images outside of the database reduced its 

overall size, as opposed to imbedding images in the 

database as objects. Because these are relative path 

names, the database can be moved to a variety of 

locations and still function properly, as long as the 

images that are stored in the database remain in the 

same location relative to the database.

Text editing in MS Access has limitations, such that 

fonts cannot be mixed within a text box. Therefore, a 

specific Rich Text Editor/ActiveX control (RTF2©) was 

incorporated into the Access database. As mentioned 

earlier, all entry of rich text had to take place using 

forms. An additional section of code, as well as a 

module and a toolbar, were added to the database to 

enable this utility. The Active X control, the module, 

and toolbar must be installed on a user’s computer in 

order to use the rich text editor.

Content

The dive summary forms contain more detailed 

information than that in the site characterization 

forms. While the majority of the data are selfexplanatory, several categories require further 

clarification. The dive numbers are the sequential 

numbers assigned by HBOI to dives specific to JSL 

submersibles (I or II). Location names correspond to 

areas (defined by various investigators) where multiple 

dives took place. For sites represented by single dives, 

we used the site names assigned by the investigators. 

12

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
SEADESC analysts were responsible for video analysis, 

habitat classification and GIS mapping. The relevant 

work/literature section serves as an overview and is not 

intended as a thorough literature review for the area. 

Similarly, the biological environment section is a 

synopsis of information gathered by the SEADESC 

analyst during video processing, including additional 

information recorded in the JSL audio logs. Again, this 

section is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all 

biological observations during the dive. The physical 

environment section includes geological aspects of the 

area surveyed and faunal information related to habitat 

characteristics. The additional comments section 

contains information on data archiving and video 

quality as well as bottom collections and/or areas of 

particular interest. Images contained within the reports 

are representative of the dive area and may or may not 

include examples of each habitat seen during the course 

of a dive.

Site characterization forms summarize the observations 

from multiple dives conducted in a discrete area. The 

images used are the clearest examples of the variety of 

habitat types seen throughout the area over all dives. 

The habitat characterization maps display a broad view 

of habitats in relation to bathymetric features. They 

are not meant to give specific details about individual 

dives, since dive track profiles are included in the dive 

summary reports. 

Drafts of dive and site summary sheets were sent to the 

lead Principal Investigators of the projects involved in 

those dives. They reviewed the sheets for accuracy and 

determined whether the data were appropriate for 

public release. 

All specimens collected were photographed on the ship. a. A bryozoan growing on dead Lophelia pertusa. b. A glass sponge 

(Aphrocallistes beatrix) also growing on dead L. pertusa. Photo credit: Art Howard.

(a) (b)

13
SITE OVERVIEWS

Many deep-sea coral study areas in the 

SEUS region have been named (e.g., 

Reed and Ross 2005; Reed et al. 2005, 

2006), giving an impression of 

separated, discrete areas of coral habitat. However, 

coral habitats on the Blake Plateau are larger and 

more continuous than these names imply. More 

detailed mapping of the region combined with ground 

truthing will clarify habitat distributions and the 

extent to which discrete names are appropriate. For 

convenience we use names previously applied to sites 

with an understanding that these names may change. 

Most submersible dives included in this analysis were 

conducted at 10 sites that had somewhat arbitrary 

boundaries (Fig. 2). Some of these sites were also 

sampled in other studies (e.g., Pomponi et al.) not yet 

integrated into SEADESC. The sites vary in bottom 

topography, underlying geology, coral development, 

and depth; however, all sites occur under the Gulf 

Stream and experience strong bottom currents (see 

Appendix III).

14

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
Off North Carolina, Lophelia pertusa forms what may 

be considered classic mounds and ridges. These appear 

to be a sediment/coral rubble matrix topped with 

almost monotypic stands of L. pertusa that may rise as 

much as 80-100 m off the seafloor. Although Lophelia

is the dominant hard coral off North Carolina, other 

scleractinians contribute to these ecosystems, including 

the colonial corals Madrepora oculata and 

Enallopsammia profunda, and various solitary corals, 

sponges, and anemones are also abundant. The three 

North Carolina Lophelia mound systems are the 

northernmost coral banks in the SEUS and are similar 

to each other in physical attributes. Analysis of fish 

community data indicated that these banks are similar 

to each other but differ from deep reef communities to 

the south (Ross and Quattrini in review). These three 

areas are designated as Cape Lookout Lophelia Bank A, 

Cape Lookout Lophelia Bank B, and Cape Fear Lophelia

Bank. There are almost no data published for the NC 

deep coral banks, and the NC sites have only been 

studied by Ross et al. (2000-present). See Ross and 

Nizinski (in press) and Ross and Quattrini 2007 for 

additional background on the North Carolina sites.

South of Cape Fear deep-sea coral habitat is more 

variable and occurs deeper than off North Carolina. 

Generally, the sediment/coral mounds (Popenoe and 

Manheim 2001) are topped with a variety of anthozoans. 

The abundant hard substrates (often having high 

profiles) of the Blake Plateau (Cape Fear to Cape 

Canaveral) also provide substantial substrate for 

L. pertusa and other anthozoans. Overall, species 

diversity of anthozoans and other associated sessile 

invertebrates (e.g., sponges, hydrozoans) increases 

south of Cape Fear. Some research data are available 

for this area, but historically most of it is geological 

(see Ross and Nizinski in press). South of North Carolina, 

most deep-sea coral expeditions concentrated around 

the area described by Stetson et al. (1962), referred to 

PAGE 14. Large aggregates of encrusted dead and live coral (Lophelia pertusa) along the side of a mound at the Cape Lookout A site 

(JSLII-3432, 24 Aug 2003, 383 m). Note the conger eel (Conger oceanicus) protruding from the coral as well as numerous squat lobsters 

(Eumunida picta). Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al. 

Figure 2. Ten areas (white boxes) on the southeastern US slope where 

submersible dives were grouped. These areas are summarized as 

Site Summaries for SEADESC purposes.

Mixed habitat at the Stetson area composed of black corals 

(orange Leiopathes sp.), solitary cup corals and sponges on a 

rubble-covered bottom (JSLI-4699, 18 Jun 2004, 682 m). Fish in 

the center is Laemonema melanurum, a common species 

around deep coral habitats. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al. 

(photo frame from HD video by Art Howard).

15
as “Stetson Banks,” two areas off GA (“Savannah Banks 

East and West”), the Charleston Bump (Sedberry 2001), 

a large area straddling the GA-FL border (“Jacksonville 

Banks”) and several sites along the FL East coast (Cape 

Canaveral North and South) (Fig. 2).

The Stetson Bank is a large region of extremely rugged 

topography and diverse bottom types (Stetson et al. 

1962, 1969; Reed 2002; Reed et al. 2006). There is a 

deep canyon on the eastern side of this system with 

abundant corals on its western rim. While the surface 

waters of Stetson Bank can be outside the main axis of 

the Gulf Stream, bottom currents are often quite strong. 

Many species of corals (e.g., L. pertusa, Enallopsammia 

profunda, Leiopathes spp., Keratosis spp.) and sponges 

are abundant on the hard substrates here. This is one 

of the deeper and more complex of the Blake Plateau 

deep-sea coral areas. In addition to previous studies, 

recent work in this area has been accomplished by Ross 

et al., Sedberry et al. and Pomponi et al. Fish fauna in 

the Stetson area was most similar to the Savannah 

West and Jacksonville areas (Ross and Quattrini 

in review).

The Savannah East site has only been surveyed by 

Sedberry et al. The area contains rugged hard bottoms 

(to 100 m of relief) as well as low profile to flat hard 

bottom. Rock types included manganese-phosphorite 

pavement and nodules, foramaniferan limestone, and 

calcareous mudstone. There seems to be less sediment 

cover here than the more inshore Savannah West 

habitats. Strong bottom currents were often observed 

in this area. Attached corals and other fauna exhibited 

considerable variation in density and distributions.

Great diversity of invertebrates on coral habitat from a Cape 

Canaveral North site (JSLI-4702, 20 Jun 2004, 713 m). The 

substratum is mostly dead (grey) and living (white) Lophelia 

pertusa upon which sponges, zoanthids, octocorals, hydroids, 

and other species are attached. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al. 

(photo frame from HD video by Art Howard).

Mixed coral and sponge habitat on a relatively flat bottom at 

the Stetson area (JSLII-3419, 17 Aug 2003, 617 m). The white 

coral is living Lophelia pertusa, upon which sponges, zoanthids, 

and hydroids are attached. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.

Beryx decadactylus (alphonsino) hovering in front of a Lophelia 

pertusa bush near the top of a coral mound at the Cape Lookout 

A site (JSLII-3431, 24 Aug 2003, 385 m). This is a prominent fish 

species on many coral mounds, often occurring in large 

numbers. Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al.

16

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
The Savannah West area comprises numerous mounds 

and ridges of varying topography, and appears to have 

a heavier sediment load compared to other sites (S.W. 

Ross et al. unpubl. data). Deep-sea corals occur in 

scattered patches that are often smaller than at other 

sites. The bottom is mostly covered with dead Lophelia

(rubble and standing thickets), with scattered lowprofile living corals (e.g., Stylaster, Lophelia) and 

sponges (Milliman et al. 1967; Reed 2002; Reed et al. 

2006; S.W. Ross et al. unpubl. data).

The Charleston Bump is a large hard bottom feature 

known for its influence on Gulf Stream circulation (see 

various papers in Sedberry 2001). Bottom topography 

is often quite rugged (can be over 100 m of profile) and 

bottom currents are generally strong. Rock types in 

this area are similar to those at Savannah East. Vertical 

rock cliffs are present in some places. Sediment 

coverage is usually sparse. Coral and sponge 

communities vary, ranging from none to dense. 

The Jacksonville area features a variety of bottom types. 

The northern portion of this sampling area is 

characterized by rock ledges with attached corals, and 

to the south the bottom is composed of Lophelia

mounds with mixed soft corals and sponges. Topographic 

highs, most with coral development, are abundant and 

nearly continuous from the Jacksonville area to south 

of Cape Canaveral (Ayers and Pilkey 1981; Paull et al. 

2000; Reed 2002; Reed et al. 2006).

The southernmost project sites, North Cape Canaveral 

and South Cape Canaveral, are composed of L. pertusa

with mixed soft corals and sponges on tops of 20-60 m 

tall mounds/ridges, surrounded by sand and rubble. 

The invertebrate fauna in particular is quite diverse in 

this area. Fewer fish species were observed here than 

at other sites. Fish communities at the Cape Canaveral 

sites were most similar to each other, but different 

from the Jacksonville, Savannah West, Stetson and the 

North Carolina deep coral areas (Ross and Quattrini 

in review). 

Small coral mound at the Jacksonville area, illustrating 

many attached invertebrates (glass sponges, anemones, 

hydroids, zoanthids) on dead (grey) and living (white) 

Lophelia pertusa (JSLI-4683, 10 Jun 2004, 565 m). Photo 

credit: S.W. Ross et al.

17
NEXT STEPS 

Despite significant gains in our understanding of deep corals in U.S. waters it is clear 

that the task of documenting these 

important continental slope habitats is 

just beginning. Every cruise to these poorly known 

areas off of the SEUS document new species, new 

habitats, new ranges, and/or population “anomalies.” 

With the information gathered through SEADESC and 

other field efforts not in this document, we are 

beginning to understand the tremendous extent of 

exploration and research remaining off the SEUS as 

well as in other parts of the deep U.S. EEZ. 

At this time, relatively little funding is available to 

U.S. scientists for deep-coral related projects. We 

hope the new emphasis on deep-coral habitats in 

the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 

Management Reauthorization Act will bring new 

opportunities to further explore and document these 

important ecosystems.

In the meantime, we can build and improve upon this 

initial phase of SEADESC. This phase of the project 

involved obtaining and organizing selected data, 

defining habitats, developing protocols, and developing 

the database. While the completed dive and site 

summaries are useful, they do not represent a logical 

end point for this effort. This project has the potential 

to evolve, adding data (e.g., new dives, bathymetry) 

and improving protocols. Below, we briefly summarize 

some possible next steps for SEADESC. This list may 

not be exhaustive, and additional relevant work can 

be identified. Some of these steps are relatively 

easy to accomplish within eight to ten months, while 

others may require one to two years. Additional 

funding is necessary to support this program to make 

progress in the following items.

Produce enhanced database versions: If SEADESC 

data are provided in digital formats users can take 

advantage of database search functions and access 

videos, virtual fly-throughs, additional images and 

data. 

18

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
Refine protocols: The analysis methods can be 

made more user-friendly or automated. Additional 

software exists that should be considered. Habitat 

definitions should be evaluated regularly by 

appropriate experts (e.g., SEADESC committee) and 

adjusted as needed.

Add other data to SEADESC: A variety of highquality data are available to add to this project. 

Such additions would greatly expand the temporal 

and spatial coverage for the project as well as 

increase its utility. Some examples include:

NOAA-OE SEUS deep coral projects (all areas, 

years, and PIs not included in this report)

Oculina area (FL east coast) data archived by 

NURC (UNCW)

Deep water SEUS multibeam sonar data 

(S.W. Ross, G.R. Sedberry)

NOAA-OE Gulf of Mexico and other area projects 

from all years

PAGE 18. Even general habitat classifications can be difficult and almost never meet the needs of all users. Habitat classification definitions 

and protocols for video evaluation should continue to be evaluated by experts. Photo is a view of mixed coral, sponge and rock habitat 

in the Stetson area (JSLI-4699, 18 Jun 2004, 670 m). Photo credit: S.W. Ross et al. (photo frame from HD video by Art Howard).

Map of the sample locations of four coral species from museum data 

bases (S.W. Ross, unpublished data). These types of data have variable 

utility and all such data should be carefully evaluated by examination of 

original collection data and specimens themselves. This should be done 

as part of SEADESC.

Example of the kind of detail provided by ship-based 

multibeam sonar mapping of the coral mound off Cape 

Fear. More such data are needed and should be 

incorporated into the SEADESC track and habitat maps.

Data from other archives (NURC, various PIs 

other data, Alvin and NR-1 projects, USGS, etc.) 

in the SEUS and eventually other areas

Museum/literature coral locations and data 

(started in SEADESC but not completed)

SEADESC reports and protocols could replace 

existing at-sea data summary activities: Expand 

and incorporate SEADESC into real-time at-sea 

applications, such as the NOAA-OE Cruise 

Information Management System (CIMS). 

19
REFERENCES

(includes citations from Appendix III)

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Edwards. 1998. Deep-sea coral evidence for rapid change 

in ventilation of the deep North Atlantic 15,400 years ago. 

Science 280: 725-728.

Ayers, M.W. and O.H. Pilkey. 1981. Piston cores and surficial 

sediment investigations of the Florida-Hatteras slope and 

inner Blake Plateau. p. 5-1-5-89. In: Popenoe, P. (ed.). 

Environmental geologic studies on the southeastern Atlantic 

outer continental shelf. USGS Open File Rept. 81-582-A.

Brooke, S. and W.W. Schroeder. in press. State of the U.S. 

deep coral ecosystems in the northern Gulf of Mexico 

region: Florida Straits to Texas. p. 271-306. In: State of 

deep coral ecosystems of the United States: 2007. NOAA 

Tech. Memo. CRCP-3. Silver Spring, MD.

Costello, M.J., M. McCrea, A. Freiwald, T. Lundalv, L. Jonsson, 

B.J. Brett, T.C.E. van Weering, H. de Haas, J.M. Roberts and 

D. Allen. 2005. Role of cold-water Lophelia pertusa coral 

reefs as fish habitat in the NE Atlantic. p. 771-805. In: 

Freiwald, A. and J.M. Roberts (eds.). Cold-Water Corals and 

Ecosystems. Springer-Verlag. Berlin Heidelberg.

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff. 1991. Atlas of the U.S. 

exclusive economic zone, Atlantic continental margin. 

USGS Misc. Invest. Ser. I-2054.

Greene, H.G., M.M. Yoklavich, R.M. Starr, V.M. O’Connell, W.

W. Wakefield, D.E. Sullivan, J.E. McRea, Jr. and G.M. Cailliet. 

1999. A classification scheme for deep seafloor habitats. 

Oceanol. Acta 22: 663-678.

Hain, S. and E. Corcoran (eds.). 2004. 3. The status of the 

cold-water coral reefs of the world. p. 115-135. In: Wilkinson, 

C. (ed.). Status of coral reefs of the world: 2004. Vol. 1. 

Australian Inst. of Mar. Sci. Perth, Western Australia.

Harasewych, M.G. and G.R. Sedberry. 2006. Rediscovery, 

range extension, and redescription of Calliostoma torrei

Clench and Aguayo, 1940 (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda: 

Calliostomatidae). The Nautilus. 102(2): 39-44.

Koslow, J.A. 1997. Seamounts and the ecology of deep-sea 

fisheries. Amer. Sci. 85: 168-176.

Koslow, J.A., G.W. Boehlert, J.D.M. Gordon, R.L. Haedrich, P. 

Lorance and N. Parin. 2000. Continental slope and deepsea fisheries: implications for a fragile ecosystem. ICES J. 

Mar. Sci. 57: 548-557.

Madden, C.J., D.H. Grossman and K.L. Goodin. 2005. Coastal 

and marine systems of North America: framework for an 

ecological classification standard: version II. NatureServe, 

Arlington, VA.

McDonough, J.J. and K.A. Puglise. 2003. Summary: Deepsea corals workshop. International planning and collaboration workshop for the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic 

Ocean. Galway, Ireland, January 16-17, 2003. NOAA Tech. 

Memo. NMFS-SPO-60, 51 p.

Menzies, R.J., R.Y. George and G.T. Rowe. 1973. Abyssal 

Environment and Ecology of the World Oceans. John Wiley 

and Sons, New York.

Milliman, J.D., F.T. Manheim, R.M. Pratt and E.F.K. Zarudzki. 

1967. Alvin dives on the continental margin off the 

southeastern United States July 2-13, 1967. Woods Hole 

Oceanographic Inst. Tech. Rept. Ref. No. 67-80.

Morgan, L.E., C-F Tsao and J.M. Guinotte. 2006. Status of 

Deep-Sea Corals in US Waters, with Recommendations for 

their Conservation and Management. Marine Conservation 

Biology Institute, Bellevue, WA.

Paull, C.K., A.C. Neumann, B.A. am Ende, W. Ussler III and 

N.M. Rodriguez. 2000. Lithoherms on the Florida-Hatteras 

slope. Mar. Geol. 166: 83-101.

Popenoe, P. and F.T. Manheim. 2001. Origin and history of 

the Charleston Bump-geological formations, currents, 

bottom conditions, and their relationship to wreckfish 

habitats on the Blake Plateau. p. 43-93. In: G.R. Sedberry 

20

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
(ed.). Island in the Stream: oceanography and fisheries of 

the Charleston Bump. Amer. Fish. Soc., Symp. 25. Bethesda, 

MD.

Puglise, K.A., R.J. Brock and J.J. McDonough, III. 2005. 

Identifying critical information needs and developing 

institutional partnerships to further the understanding of 

Atlantic deep-sea coral ecosystems. p. 1129-1140. In: 

Freiwald, A. and J.M. Roberts (eds.). Cold-Water Corals and 

Ecosystems. Springer-Verlag. Berlin Heidelberg.

Reed, J.K. 2002. Comparison of deep-water coral reefs and 

lithoherms off southeastern U.S.A. Hydrobiologia 471: 57-

69.

Reed, J.K. and S.W. Ross. 2005. Deep-water reefs off the 

southeastern U.S.: recent discoveries and research. Current 

21(4): 33-37.

Reed, J.K., S.A. Pomponi, D. Weaver, C.K. Paull and A.E. 

Wright. 2005. Deep-water sinkholes and bioherms of south 

Florida and the Pourtales Terrace-habitat and fauna. Bull. 

Mar. Sci. 77: 267-296.

Reed, J.K., D.C. Weaver and S.A. Pomponi. 2006. Habitat 

and fauna of deep-water Lophelia pertusa coral reefs off 

the southeastern U.S.: Blake Plateau, Straits of Florida, and 

Gulf of Mexico. Bull. Mar. Sci. 78: 343–375.

Roberts, C.M. 2002. Deep impact: the rising toll of fishing 

in the deep sea. Trends Ecol. Evol. 17: 242-245.

Roberts, J.M., A.J. Wheeler, A. Freiwald. 2006. Reefs of the 

Deep: the biology and geology of cold-water coral 

ecosystems. Science 312: 543-547.

Roberts, S. and M. Hirshfield. 2003. Deep-Sea Corals: out 

of sight, but no longer out of mind. Oceana. Washington, 

DC.

Rogers, A.D. 1994. The biology of seamounts. Adv. Mar. 

Biol. 30: 306-350. 

Rogers, A.D. 1999. The biology of Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus 

1758) and other deep-water reef-forming corals and 

impacts from human activities. Internat. Rev. Hydrobiol. 84: 

315-406.

Ross, S.W. and M.S. Nizinski. in press. State of the U.S. deep 

coral ecosystems in the Southeastern United States Region: 

Cape Hatteras to the Florida Straits. p. 233-270. In: State 

of deep coral ecosystems of the United States: 2007. NOAA 

Tech. Memo. CRCP-3. Silver Spring, MD.

Ross, S.W. and A.M. Quattrini. 2007. The Fish Fauna 

Associated with Deep-Coral Banks off the Southeastern 

United States. Deep Sea Res. I 54: 975-1007.

Ross, S.W. and A.M. Quattrini. in review. Geographic 

patterns of deep reef fishes on the Blake Plateau. Mar. Ecol. 

Prog. Ser.

Rowe, G.T. and R.J. Menzies. 1968. Deep bottom currents 

off the coast of North Carolina. Deep-Sea Res. 15: 711-

719.

Sedberry, G.R. (ed.). 2001. Island in the Stream: oceanography 

and fisheries of the Charleston Bump. Amer. Fish. Soc., 

Symp. 25. Bethesda, MD. 240 p.

Stetson, T.R. 1961. Report on Atlantis cruise # 266, JuneJuly 1961. Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. Ref. No. 61-

35.

Stetson, T.R., D.F. Squires and R.M. Pratt. 1962. Coral banks 

occurring in deep water on the Blake Plateau. Amer. Mus. 

Novitates 2114: 1-39.

Stetson, T.R., E. Uchupi and J.D. Milliman. 1969. Surface 

and subsurface morphology of two small areas of the Blake 

Plateau. Trans. Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Soc. 19: 131-142.

Uchupi, E. 1967. The continental margin south of Cape 

Hatteras, North Carolina: shallow structure. Southeastern 

Geol. 8: 157-177.

Williams, B., M.J. Risk, S.W. Ross and K.J. Sulak. 2006. Deepwater Antipatharians: proxies of environmental change. 

Geol. 34(9): 773-776.

Williams, B., M. Risk, S.W. Ross and K.J. Sulak. in press. 

Stable isotope records from deep-water Antipatharians: 

400-year records from the south-eastern coast of the United 

States of America. Bull. Mar. Sci.

21
APPENDIX I

SEADESC Steering Committee 

Members (2004-2006)

Timothy Birdsong (Chair): NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (NOAA-OE)

Jeremy Potter: NOAA-OE

John McDonough: NOAA-OE

Steve W. Ross (Project Manager): UNC-Wilmington and U.S. Geological Survey

Melissa L. Partyka (Lead SEADESC Technician): UNCW

Andrea Quattrini: UNCW

George R. Sedberry: SC Dept. Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Inst.

Andrew Shepard: NOAA Undersea Research Center, UNCW

Doug Rader: Environmental Defense and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Martha Nizinski: NOAA Fisheries, Systematics Lab

Tina Udouj: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Inst.

Susan Gottfried: NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center

Betsy Gardner: NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center

Christina Ralph Schobernd: College of Charleston, Grice Marine Lab

Jessica Stephen: SC Dept. Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Inst.

John Reed: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Inst.

22

S o u t h e a s t e r n U n i t e d S tat e s D e e p - S e a C o r a l s ( S EADE S C ) I n i t i at i v e
APPENDIX II

Habitat Classification Categories SEADESC CONTINENTAL SLOPE GENERAL HABITAT TYPES

1 Soft Substrate (S): (sands, muds) 

unconsolidated, unlithified, >50% “unstructured,” little to no vertical relief.

2 Soft Substrate/Rubble/Rock-barren 

(SRB): soft substrate with <50% rubble and/or rock, lacking (or with sparse) attached macrofauna, low relief.

3 Soft Substrate/Rubble/Rock-with attached 

fauna (SRF): soft substrate with <50% rubble and/or rock, with significant attached macrofauna (corals, anemones, etc.), low relief.

4 Rubble (R): >50% rubble (dead, unattached, broken pieces of rock or 

coral) cover, no rocks or ledges, lacking (or with sparse) attached macrofauna. Usually low relief.

5 Rock/Ledges-barren (RLB): >50% rocks and/or ledges, lacking (or with 

sparse) attached macrofauna, variable relief.

6 Rock/Ledges-with attached fauna (RLF): >50% rocks and/or ledges, with 

significant attached macrofauna, variable relief.

7 Pavement-barren (PB):

fairly flat rock pavement, lacking (or with sparse) macrofauna

8 Pavement-with attached 

fauna (PF): fairly flat rock pavement, with significant attached macrofauna.

9 Mixed Hard Corals/Soft Corals/Sponges (M): Near equal mixtures 

of soft corals, sponges, and/or hard corals, or prevalent coverage of soft corals and/or sponges. Hard corals do not dominate this habitat. Rock/Ledges are largely lacking. Bottom may also have significant amounts of rubble. Usually low to moderate relief.

10 Hard Corals (HC): >50% live and/or dead coral cover, lacking (or 

with sparse) attached macrofauna. Corals are usually standing “twigs,” “bushes,” or “matrices.” Rock/Ledges largely lacking. If possible, corals can be identified (to genus or species) and listed that way. Usually moderate to high relief.

11 Hard Corals-with attached fauna (HCF): >50% live and/or dead coral 

cover with prevalent attached macrofauna. Hard corals are the dominant substrate. Corals are usually standing “twigs,” “bushes,” or “matrices.” Rock/Ledges largely lacking. If possible, corals can be identified (to genus or species) and listed that way. Usually moderate to high relief. 

12 Tilefish (possible) Habitat (TH)-Consolidated soft bottom with visually 

identifiable burrows. Tilefish may or may not be present.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Habitat classifications on this poster were defined by the SEADESC committee. Photographs were provided by Steve W. Ross (UNCW/USGS), George Sedberry (SCDNR), and Andy Shepard (NURC/UNCW).Poster finalized January 2006 (second edition)

13 Artificial Substrate (A)- Any artificial structure that provides habitat for fishes 

and/or invertebrates.

23
APPENDIX III

Site Characterization and Dive Summary Reports

Site Characterization Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 15 Depth Range (m): 367 to 470

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

28-Jul-00 SW Ross JSLI-4206 HOV 8:42 10:36 34° 19.633' 75° 46.330' 34° 19.447' 75° 47.246'

28-Jul-00 SW Ross JSLI-4207 HOV 15:56 17:45 34° 19.569' 75° 47.134' 34° 19.430' 75° 47.287'

22-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4361 HOV 8:44 11:23 34° 19.680' 75° 47.370' 34° 19.690' 75° 47.530'

22-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4362 HOV 16:21 18:36 34° 19.425' 75° 47.488' 34° 19.418' 75° 47.507'

23-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4363 HOV 8:30 11:15 34° 19.423' 75° 47.453' 34° 19.412' 75° 47.497'

23-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4364 HOV 16:02 18:53 34° 18.840' 75° 47.013' 34° 18.765' 75° 47.130'

11-Aug-02 SW Ross JSLII-3304 HOV 8:33 11:00 34° 19.710' 75° 47.043' 34° 19.510' 75° 46.207'

11-Aug-02 SW Ross JSLII-3305 HOV 16:30 18:59 34° 19.460' 75° 47.198' 34° 19.477' 75° 47.200'

12-Aug-02 SW Ross JSLII-3306 HOV 8:32 10:59 34° 19.400' 75° 47.200' 34° 19.452' 75° 47.251'

12-Aug-02 SW Ross JSLII-3307 HOV 16:24 17:11 34° 19.485' 75° 47.452' 34° 19.499' 75° 47.545'

23-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3430 HOV 16:24 18:59 34° 19.366' 75° 47.334' 34° 19.404' 75° 47.249'

24-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3431 HOV 8:36 10:52 34° 19.517' 75° 47.044' 34° 19.421' 75° 47.237'

24-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3432 HOV 16:47 18:57 34° 19.427' 75° 47.158' 34° 19.482' 75° 47.213'

15-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4692 HOV 8:29 10:33 34° 19.428' 75° 47.172' 34° 19.444' 75° 47.218'

15-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4693 HOV 16:20 18:27 34° 19.436' 75° 47.140' 34° 19.512' 75° 47.148'

24
Site Characterization Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR SW Ross DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

This coral bank system appears to be the northernmost deep coral ecosystem on the SEUS slope. Aside from a few 

maps and one photograph (Menzies et al. 1973) there are no published data from this coral mound area. The area was 

first surveyed by the R/V Eastward, but an examination of the Eastward station area in May 1983 (R/V Delaware II 

cruise, S.W. Ross, chief scientist), revealed no indication of hard bottom or coral. It is likely that the use of LORAN A for 

Eastward navigation lead to errors in the recorded position of their station, (coral bank area surveyed by Ross et al. is 

about 2-2.7 km away). However, the possibility that a reef does exist on or near the E-4937 station cannot be discounted 

without a more detailed survey of that location. The USGS side scan survey (EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff 1991) 

illustrated reefs in this area, and coordinates from that survey guided a cruise using the Navy’s NR-1 nuclear research 

submersible (Sulak and Ross, unpubl. data) during 15-18 Nov 1993. However, navigation issues on this cruise placed 

positions from the NR-1 track off by about 1 km from the large mounds later located by Ross et al. (unpubl. data). A later 

ship sonar survey of the NR-1 positions did not yield obvious reef areas. Between summer 2000 and fall 2004 Ross et 

al. sampled this area extensively, throughout the water column, using a variety of methods. The primary method for 

collecting bottom data on the reef proper was the JSL research submersible (Harbor Branch Oceanographic Inst.). 

Fifteen dives were made on coral mounds in this area, and observations on the bottom totaled nearly 34 hours.

Data to date suggest that this area contains the most extensive coral mounds found off North Carolina; however, data 

are lacking to adequately judge overall sizes and aerial coverage. Ross et al. JSL dives in this area ranged from 367-

470 m. Mean bottom temperatures ranged from 6.3 to 10.9 oC, while mean bottom salinities were always around 35. 

There were several prominences capping this ridge system, creating rugged and diverse bathymetry. The main mound 

system rose to nearly 80 m over a distance of about 1 km, and in places exhibited slopes in excess of 50-60 degrees. 

These topographic highs accelerate bottom currents, as observed near the crests, which favor attached filter feeders. 

Sides and tops of these mounds were covered with extensive colonies of living Lophelia pertusa, though few other corals 

occur. Dead colonies and coral rubble interspersed with sand channels were also abundant on top of the mounds. 

Extensive coral rubble zones surrounded the bases of the mounds/ridges for a large distance (exact area not yet 

surveyed), and in places seemed to be quite thick. These mounds appear to be formed by successive coral growth, 

collapse, and sediment entrapment. There were some low profile, rocky substrates (type unknown) away from the 

mounds.

Fauna observed at this site were diverse. The coral matrix was densely packed with brittle stars (Ophiacantha

bidentata), various anemones, basket stars, and urchins (especially Echinus spp.). Dominant mobile invertebrates 

included galatheoids (especially Eumunida picta), Rochinia crassa, and Bathynectes longispina. On the coral habitats, 

mostly tops and sides of mounds/ridges, the most abundant fishes were Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Beryx 

decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, Dysommina rugosa, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Hoplostethus occidentalis, and 

Scyliorhinus spp. 

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

34o 19.410' N, 75o 47.508' W

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.214' W

Image C: Rubble 

34o 18.822' N, 75o 47.094' W

25
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4206 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Initial Lophelia community and habitat 

assessment off NC

 Vessel R/V Ed Link, Johnson Sea Link I Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), SW Ross (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NC State Legislature, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal 

Reserve

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 Hi 8

 Project Slope Trophodynamics

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.460' N, 75o 47.250' W

28-Jul-00

470

385

8:42

10:36

3

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.633'

75° 46.330'

34° 19.447'

75° 47.246'

26
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4206 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Five general habitat types were viewed during this dive: 1) off-reef, soft substrate habitat consisting of mostly coarse 

sand, 2) coarse sand with <50% Lophelia pertusa rubble, and at times scattered rock without attached macrofauna, 3) 

coarse sand/Lophelia rubble/rock with attached macrofauna, 4) a transition zone with a high percent (>50%) cover of 

Lophelia rubble, and 5) a hard coral area with dense dead and live Lophelia.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 1 Hi-8 and archived on 2 mini DVs and 1 DVD. While there was audio associated with the 

original Hi-8 tape, a playback error prevented this from recording to DV. The overall picture was grainy and the 

lighting was often too low to have a clear view of the habitat and/or organisms inhabiting the area. Additionally, the 

time/CTD overlay was intermittent. 

Some species observed off reef, on scattered rubble, sand, and scattered rock bottom included: crabs, hermit crabs, 

Fenestraja plutonia, Helicolenus dactylopterus, and Myxine glutinosa. On a more dense coral rubble bottom, 

Bathynectes longispina, Laemonema barbatulum, urchins, glass sponges, and galatheoids (Eumunida picta) were 

observed. On the hard corals habitat, Eumunida picta, pencil urchins, Rochinia crassa, Novodinia antillensis, 

Laemonema melanurum, and Hoplostethus occidentalis were species most commonly observed.

Image B: Sand/ Rubble/RockBarren

34o 19.600' N, 75o 46.440' W

Image C: Soft Substrate 

34o 19.560' N, 75o 46.630' W

Image D: Rubble 

 34o 19.52' N, 75o 47.070' W

27
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4207 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Initial Lophelia community and habitat 

assessment off NC

 Vessel R/V Ed Link, Johnson Sea Link I Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), D Weaver (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes I mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NC State Legislature, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal 

Reserve

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 Hi 8

 Project Slope Trophodynamics

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.512' N, 75o 47.172' W

28-Jul-00

418

388

15:56

17:45

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.569'

75° 47.134'

34° 19.430'

75° 47.287'

28
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4207 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Two habitats were observed during this dive, rubble and hard coral. The hard coral areas were free of attached 

macrofauna and were typically densely concreted bushes of dead L. pertusa with or without living colonies at the 

extremities. Other areas of hard coral were more loosely aggregated thickets with a large number of interstices and 

lower overall relief. Spaces between coral patches varied from dense rubble fields to large sandy swashes. The 

rubble habitat often merged with the hard coral habitat in an area best described as a dense dead coral matrix.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 1 Hi-8 and archived on 2 mini DVs and 1 DVD. The overall picture was hazy and the 

lighting was at times too low to have a clear view of the habitat and/or organisms inhabiting the area. However, there 

is some good footage of sharks and conger eels.

A wide diversity of both fishes and invertebrates were seen during this dive. Some of the most common fish species 

included Hoplostethus occidentalis, Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum, Helicolenus dactylopterus and a large 

number of unidentified mid-water fishes. Other less common, but still frequently observed species included 

Scyliorhinus meadi, S. retifer, Cirrhigaleus asper and Conger oceanicus. Rare species of note were Lophiodes beroe, 

Synagrops sp., Beryx decadactylus and Zenopsis conchifera. Eumunida picta was the most commonly observed 

mobile invertebrate followed closely by Rochinia crassa. Echinoderms such as brittle stars and spiny urchins were 

common on the reef, while basket stars were only seen occasionally. The reef was made up of dense mounds of 

Lophelia pertusa, about 30% of which was actually living. Only a couple hexactinellid sponges were observed. 

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.506' N, 75o 47.184' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.452' N, 75o 47.238' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.292' W

29
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4361 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), SW Ross (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of bow audio log, no dive track 

recorded

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rubble 

(No Position Available) 22-Sep-01

427

384

8:44

11:23

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.680'

75° 47.370'

34° 19.690'

75° 47.530'

30
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4361 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began transecting over rubble habitat with low relief that transitioned into a dense dead coral matrix with 

small growths of living Lophelia pertusa. This region eventually gave way to a moderate-to-high-relief hard coral 

region with 10-15% live Lophelia pertusa growth. These larger mounds of coral were heavily cemented near the base 

and surrounded by dense layers of rubble. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded to 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. There was no CTD or time overlay for this video. 

Additionally there is no dive track data available so the habitat characterization could not be mapped.

The majority of the fish observed during the course of this dive were found over the rubble habitat near the beginning. 

Aside from large numbers of mid-water fish like myctophids and Polyipnus clarus, Helicolenus dactylopterus and 

Laemonema barbatulum were most common. Nezumia aequalis and two Scyliorhinus spp. were also seen in this 

habitat. Trachyscorpia cristulata and Helicolenus dactylopterus, as well as Scyliorhinus spp. and S. retifer were seen in 

small numbers over the hard coral habitat. Two species of codling were observed over the reef as well, Laemonema 

melanurum, and L. barbatulum. Mobile invertebrates included Echinus spp. and Eumunida picta.

Image B: Hard Coral 

(No Position Available)

Image C: Hard Coral 

(No Position Available)

Image D: Hard Coral 

(No Position Available)

31
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4362 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), M Randall (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

34o 19.404' N, 75o 47.508' W 22-Sep-01

399

367

16:21

18:36

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.425'

75° 47.488'

34° 19.418'

75° 47.507'

32
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4362 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Habitats encountered during this dive were restricted to hard coral with and without attached macrofauna. Both 

varieties were dominated by moderate to high-relief coral bushes bearing less than 10% living material. These coral 

structures were often heavily cemented and filled in with sediment near the base. The overall landscape was one of 

rolling peaks and valleys with sandy patches often occurring between coral growths.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs, the first two of which had no audio track. These DVs were archived on 3 

separate DVDs. All three DVs were without time or CTD data overlay. The majority of the footage was shot around 

the deployment of a crab trap with little submersible movement. There is interesting footage of a large mobulid ray 

swimming above the reef. 

The entire dive took place over a dense Lophelia pertusa reef made up of standing bushes of heavily cemented,

primarily dead, Lophelia. Only about 5-10% of the coral observed was living. Though the majority of the reef had little 

to no attached macrofauna, a region toward the end of the dive was marked for enormous numbers of orange 

anemones covering the dead Lophelia stands. The most common mobile invertebrates were Eumunida picta and 

brittle stars as well as pencil and spiny urchins. Flytrap anemones and basket stars were observed only occasionally. 

A large diversity, but low abundance, of fishes were identified during this dive. The most common species were 

Helicolenus dactylopterus, Hemanthias aureorubens, Polyipnus clarus, Laemonema melanurum and L. barbatulum.

Other species witnessed during this dive included Anthias woodsi, Conger oceanicus, Hoplostethus occidentalis, and

Mobula hypostoma.

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.422' N, 75o 47.478' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.416' N, 75o 47.508' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.410' N, 75o 47.514' W

33
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4363 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), F Rohde (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss Ln. 

Wilmington NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.404' N, 75o 47.502' W 23-Sep-01

417

370

8:30

11:15

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.423'

75° 47.453'

34° 19.412'

75° 47.497'

34
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4363 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Four habitats were encountered in varying degrees during this dive. This dive began over a relatively flat rubble field 

that graded into a dense dead coral matrix of cemented rubble and small patches of live Lophelia. The dive track 

continued up a steep (70-80o) slope leading to the top of a mound covered in dense, high-relief Lophelia bushes. This 

upper-most reef area was made up of a series of peaks and valleys with periodic sandy patches in between bushes. 

The majority of the dive was spent over hard coral habitat without attached fauna, but a brief period was spent over 

hard coral covered with dense colonies of orange anemones (Image D).

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive is contained on 3 mini DVs, both of which were of moderate to good quality with no time or CTD overlay. The 

mini DVs were archived on separate DVDs. The sub remained in the vicinity of a crab trap for the majority of the dive 

and there is good footage of numerous E. picta surrounding the trap.

Video analysis of this dive began in mid-water with the identification of hundreds of myctophids and Polyipnus clarus,

many of which were still visible just off of the bottom. Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum, Scyliorhinus retifer and 

Nezumia spp. were observed over the rubble field leading up to the main reef. The majority of the dive took place over 

dense Lophelia pertusa reef comprised of mostly dead coral mounds with a varying degree of live growth on the outer 

edges (~10%). Few fishes were observed during this dive, the most common species over the reef were Laemonema 

melanurum, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Hoplostethus occidentalis. Other species included Conger oceanicus, 

Anthias woodsi, and Nettenchelys exoria. Eumunida picta, spiny and pencil urchins, and brittle stars were the most 

common mobile invertebrates. Sessile invertebrates were sparse over much of the reef, though some small sponges, 

flytrap anemones and basket stars were scattered throughout the dive. 

Image B: Rubble 

34o 19.386' N, 75o 47.436' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.398' N, 75o 47.466' W

Image D: Hard Coral-Fauna 

34o 19.410' N, 75o 47.508' W

35
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4364 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Caruso (bow), KJ Sulak (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss Ln. 

Wilmington NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 18.762' N, 75o 47.124' W 23-Sep-01

443

398

16:02

18:53

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 18.840'

75° 47.013'

34° 18.765'

75° 47.130'

36
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4364 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a flat rubble plain. The submersible transected to the main target up a relatively steep slope (~

50o) covered in dense rubble and eventually a dense dead coral matrix of cemented rubble. The majority of the dive 

was spent over a large Lophelia pertusa reef without attached fauna covering a series of steep ridges and valleys. The 

reef in this area varied from other dives in that the coral branches were less robust, forming lacy thickets with large 

interstices. There was also a larger percentage of live coral growth. The valleys between the coral thickets were 

typically filled with a mixture of sand and rubble.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was contained in 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. There was no time or CTD overlay for this dive. 

Most of the first DV was spent transecting to the target site. A lot of video time covers the attempts to rotenone and 

capture fish, so little time was spent filming the reef in wide angle. The internal video was used in a number of 

instances for fish identifications.

A diversity of fishes were identified over both rubble and hard coral habitats during this dive. The most common 

species were found in both habitats and included Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum and Scyliorhinus retifer.

Trachyscorpia cristulata, Fenestraja plutonia and Helicolenus dactylopterus were only seen over the rubble and lowrelief dead coral matrix areas of the dive. Dysommina rugosa, Conger oceanicus and Hoplostethus occidentalis were 

observed within the prime reef area. 

Image B: Rubble 

34o 18.822' N, 75o 47.094' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 18.792' N, 75o 47.094' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 18.768' N, 75o 47.124' W

37
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3304 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, and educational 

outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Howard (bow), KJ Sulak (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 0

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2002

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.494' N, 75o 47.220' W 11-Aug-02

448

382

8:33

11:00

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.710'

75° 47.043'

34° 19.510'

75° 46.207'

38
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3304 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over mixed sand/rubble/rock that transitioned to low-relief rubble. The flat plain rapidly transitioned to 

a steep slope (40-50o) covered in a mixture of dense dead coral matrices and moderate-relief Lophelia bushes. The 

apex of this mound consisted of rolling ridges covered in dense thickets of Lophelia growth (~30% living) with rubble 

and heavy sediment common in the valleys between. The area surrounding the reef was predominantly flat 

sand/rubble/rock without attached fauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. The three DVs all had a grainy/hazy quality and a 

green color balance. There was also something that blurred a large portion of the internal lens on the camera, 

causing some of the video to look out of focus. The video recorded during transects was often dark, and stationary 

footage was often shot too closely to the reef, with numerous instances when the camera was actually touching the 

substrate.

A high diversity and number of fish were observed during this dive, the majority of which were found over the initial 

rubble strewn area at the base of the mound. Fish species included Myxine glutinosa, Fenestraja plutonia, 

Scyliorhinus retifer, Laemonema barbatulum, Hoplostethus occidentalis, and an unidentified Synagrops species. A 

large diversity of mobile invertebrates were observed as well, such as Rochinia crassa, Eumunida picta, pencil urchins, 

brittle stars and basket stars. A squid and a large octopus were also seen during the dive. Though the reef was made 

up of Lophelia pertusa growth, there was a good sized colony of a Madrepora attached to L. pertusa rubble. No other 

corals or sponges were observed.

Image B: Rubble 

34o 19.626' N, 75o 47.112' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.524' N, 75o 47.190' W

Image D: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.298' W

39
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3305 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, and educational 

outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), SW Ross (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2002

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.208' W 11-Aug-02

416

381

16:30

18:59

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.460'

75° 47.198'

34° 19.477'

75° 47.200'

40
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3305 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a mixed sediment/rubble area without attached fauna that graded into a rippled sandflat. This 

habitat changed abruptly at a very steep slope (~70%) covered with living and dead Lophelia. The reef in this area 

was made up of two varieties of coral growth: 1) thin branches of Lophelia that intersected in complicated thickets with 

large interstices, and 2) dense, heavily cemented bushes of dead Lophelia with few large interstices. Areas between 

coral growths were typically a mixture of sediment and coral rubble.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs that were archived on 2 DVDs. The video had a grainy appearance and 

something on the internal lens of the camera obscured the view. The color balance was also off, making the footage 

seem green/yellow. There was a large amount of stationary footage that was filmed close to the reef during 

collections. There is some good footage of the collection of a Cirrhigaleus asper.

Few fish were seen over the sand/rubble/rock and soft-sediment areas surrounding the main reef, and those that were, 

such as Myxine glutinosa, Fenestraja plutonia, and Laemonema barbatulum, were represented by one individual. The 

most common species found on the reef itself was Hoplostethus occidentalis, followed by Laemonema melanurum and 

Conger oceanicus. Other species observed in low numbers were Helicolenus dactylopterus, Beryx decadactylus 

(Image A), Laemonema barbatulum and a single Cirrhigaleus asper. The most common mobile invertebrates were 

Eumunida picta and Rochinia crassa. A single squid, a sea star and a few basket stars were also observed. The reef 

itself was made up of 20-40% living Lophelia that seemed to have much thinner, less robust, branches than observed 

elsewhere. There were no other corals or any sponges seen during this dive.

Image B: Soft Substrate 

34o 19.362' N, 75o 47.274' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.434' N, 75o 47.232' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.440' N, 75o 47.244' W

41
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3306 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, and educational 

outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), A Felker (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2002

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.476' N, 75o 47.196' W 12-Aug-02

418

381

8:32

10:59

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.400'

75° 47.200'

34° 19.452'

75° 47.251'

42
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3306 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive reached bottom over a large, rippled sandflat that transitioned into rubble and eventually a dense dead matrix 

of cemented hard coral rubble. This latter habitat first appeared at the base of a steep slope (~70o) and was prevalent 

all across the slope, eventually leading to dense Lophelia bushes near the apex of the mound. Overall, there was little 

live Lophelia found in the area (<15%), and the bushes were heavily cemented with few large interstices. Spaces 

between the coral bushes were typically a mixture of sand and coral rubble.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. There was a substance on the internal lens of the 

camera that obscured the view. Footage shot while stationary was often very shaky and out of focus. The first 30 

minutes of bottom time were not included in the dive track.

An almost equal number of fishes were observed over the sandy rubble strewn area at the base of the mound as were 

seen on the main reef itself, though the species composition was much different. Laemonema barbatulum and

Helicolenus dactylopterus were seen in moderate numbers over the rubble habitat surrounding the main reef, while 

Merluccius albidus and Maurolicus weitzmani were seen sparsely over sand habitat. The most common species found 

on the reef were Hoplostethus occidentalis, L. barbatulum and L. melanurum. Less frequently observed species 

included Conger oceanicus, Helicolenus dactylopterus and other scorpaenids. Eumunida picta were found in large 

numbers over the reef and the surrounding rubble; and next to brittle stars, they were the dominant mobile 

invertebrates in the area. A few Rochinia crassa, pencil and spiny urchins were also observed. Basket stars and 

hexactinellid sponges were the only sessile invertebrates seen, aside from the living growths of Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.464' N, 75o 47.208' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.482' N, 75o 47.238' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.476' N, 75o 47.226' W

43
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3307 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, and educational 

outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), M Nizinski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Project Islands in the Stream 2002

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.470' N, 75o 47.526' W 12-Aug-02

416

367

16:24

17:11

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 19.485'

75° 47.452'

34° 19.499'

75° 47.545'

44
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3307 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over an area of both rubble and sand/rubble/rock without attached fauna. As the transect continued, 

the sub reached a steep slope (70-80o) covered in a dense dead coral rubble matrix with some small growths of live 

Lophelia (5-10%). The top of the mound was covered with moderate-to-high-relief coral bushes that were heavily 

cemented and had few large interstices. Areas between these bushes were typically mixtures of sand and coral 

rubble.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The dive was captured on one mini DV and archived on one DVD. This dive was aborted after 45 minutes due to high 

current velocities. Additionally, the first 15 minutes of bottom time are not included in the dive track. The sub was 

often off the bottom and too far away from the reef to see clearly.

Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Scyliorhinus retifer were seen over the rubble 

strewn area surrounding the main reef. Only three species were seen on the reef itself, Helicolenus dactylopterus, 

Beryx decadactylus and Hoplostethus occidentalis. A large Carcharhinus altimus was seen swimming off of the reef 

as the sub began its ascent. Eumunida picta and brittle stars were the most common mobile invertebrates, followed by 

spiny urchins, flytrap anemones and basket stars. No other corals or sponges were observed during this short dive.

Image B: Rubble 

34o 19.308' N, 75o 47.838' W *

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.458' N, 75o 47.538' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.458' N, 75o 47.550' W

45
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3430 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), J Potter (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 0

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.392' N, 75o 47.238' W 23-Aug-03

415

384

16:24

18:59

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.2

34° 19.366'

75° 47.334'

34° 19.404'

75° 47.249'

46
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3430 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a low-relief sand flat that rapidly transitioned to dense hard coral habitat on a very steep slope (~

70o). Most of the dive was spent alternating from a steep sloping reef with a dense dead coral matrix to a reef of 

moderate-to-high-relief. In these areas the coral often formed large bushes that were heavily cemented and had few 

interstices, making them appear almost solid.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. (1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. The quality of the video footage varied with each DV. 

There was condensation on the internal lens, which at times obscured the view. All zoomed footage was very 

unsteady and difficult to view. The time/CTD overlay was intermittent throughout all three DVs. The third DV had the 

highest quality, with some good footage of Eumunida picta feeding.

A large number of unidentified midwater fish, and several dozen Polyipnus clarus, constituted the most abundant 

species found during this dive. Beryx decadactylus were also common, followed by Hoplostethus occidentalis, 

Helicolenus dactylopterus, Conger oceanicus, Laemonema melanurum and L. barbatulum. Brittle stars and Eumunida 

picta were common throughout the area. Other mobile invertebrates included spiny urchins and Chaceon crabs.

Other than Lophelia, the sessile invertebrates observed were limited to a few basket stars and occasional hexactinellid 

sponges. The extent of live Lophelia varied greatly, with portions of the dive having less than 5% living coral and others 

having >75%.

Image B: Soft Substrate 

34o 19.368' N, 75o 47.322' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.422' N, 75o 47.268' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.434' N, 75o 47.250' W

47
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3431 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Brooks (bow), T Casazza (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 201

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of bow audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.452' N, 75o 47.220' W 24-Aug-03

432

382

8:36

10:52

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.1

34° 19.517'

75° 47.044'

34° 19.421'

75° 47.237'

48
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3431 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The beginning of this dive took place over a low-relief habitat of sand/rubble/rock without attached fauna. This region 

transitioned into a low-relief hard coral area with a dense dead coral matrix and eventually into a moderate-to-highrelief hard coral reef. There were frequent large patches of sand between coral bushes. Most of the reef was made up 

of dead coral, but there were regions where large bushes of Lophelia contained >40% living coral covering a series of 

steep (~50o) slopes.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. (1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. There was no time/CTD overlay on the first DV. 

There was condensation on the inner camera lens, which at times obscured the view. The sub touched down a 

number of times creating dense clouds of sediment, and remained too far off the reef at others. The camera was 

often stuck directly into the underlying rubble for long stretches at a time. There was good footage of Eumunida picta

feeding.

A large variety of fish species were observed throughout this dive. The largest number of these were midwater fish 

such as Polyipnus clarus, most of which were seen at the beginning of the dive. Laemonema barbatulum, Helicolenus 

dactylopterus, Myxine glutinosa and Fenestraja plutonia were the most common bottom associated species in 

sand/rubble habitat. Over the hard coral habitat most fish were represented by only a few individuals, the most 

common species were Beryx decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, Maurolicus weitzmani and Hoplostethus occidentalis.

Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Scyliorhinus meadi and Dysommina rugosa were 

also observed in this area. Brittle stars and Eumunida picta were the most common mobile invertebrates, followed by 

spiny urchins and an octopus. Lophelia pertusa was the only hard coral present during this dive, the majority of which 

was dead. However, there was a small section of the reef that had nearly 40% live Lophelia. Other sessile 

invertebrates included basket stars and some primnoid corals near the end of the dive.

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.458' N, 75o 47.178' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.422' N, 75o 47.202' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.410' N, 75o 47.238' W

49
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3432 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers AM Necaise (bow), J Berg (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 84

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.446' N, 75o 47.232' W 24-Aug-03

424

381

16:47

18:57

1.1

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

34° 19.427'

75° 47.158'

34° 19.482'

75° 47.213'

50
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3432 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place almost exclusively over hard coral habitat without attached fauna. The hard coral habitat at the 

beginning of the dive consisted of a low-relief area of dense dead coral matrices and a few living pieces of Lophelia.

This habitat eventually transitioned to a moderate-to-high-relief coral reef on a series of crests and slopes. The slopes 

were steep, 50-60o, and the valleys between were filled with a mixture of rubble and soft-sediment. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and saved on 3 DVDs for archiving; however, the third DV/DVD does not 

contain footage of the bottom, only the ascent. The time/CTD overlay was turned off intermittently during both the first 

and second DVs. At times the footage quality was reduced by condensation on the inner lens of the camera and 

frequent periods when the camera actually ran into the substrate completely blocking all views.

Beryx decadactylus and Conger oceanicus were observed over prime coral reef habitat and were the dominant

species in the area. Hoplostethus occidentalis, Laemonema melanurum and L. barbatulum were also relatively 

common throughout the dive. Only a single Helicolenus dactylopterus was observed. The only mobile invertebrates 

observed were large numbers of brittle stars, Eumunida picta and a species of spiny urchin. Attached macrofauna 

were sparse in this area, limited to a few basket stars and occasional venus flytrap anemones. Though this area was 

dominated by an extensive Lophelia pertusa reef, the amount of living Lophelia varied from <10% to nearly 50%. 

There were no other corals or sponges observed during this dive. 

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.214' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.416' N, 75o 47.250' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.446' N, 75o 47.226' W

51
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4692 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), B Williams (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

34o 19.452' N, 75o 47.202' W

15-Jun-04

426

380

8:29

10:33

4.1

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

34° 19.428'

75° 47.172'

34° 19.444'

75° 47.218'

52
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4692 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

In the beginning of the dive, a strong current was evident and visibility was poor. Two habitat types were observed: 1) 

coral rubble and 2) hard corals without fauna. Coral rubble uniformly covered a steep slope of ~60-70o. On top of the 

slope, Lophelia pertusa was present in large mounds (< 2m relief), which consisted of mostly dead coral with live 

scattered on top. Few macrofauna were attached to the hard corals. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. The overall quality of this footage was fairto-good, some of the wide angle views were dark and there was a moderate amount of marine snow. 

Few fishes and several invertebrates were observed during this dive. Laemonema barbatulum was present in the 

rubble areas. Few Helicolenus dactylopterus and one hagfish were present on the hard coral habitat. Brittle stars were 

very abundant over the surface of dead coral and occupying spaces in the hard coral mounds. A large school of squid 

was observed in the beginning of the dive at the base of the rubble covered slope. Other mobile invertebrates 

observed included pencil urchins, and Eumunida picta, which were common on the hard coral mounds. Attached 

sessile invertebrates included Lophelia pertusa, Novodinia antillensis, a few sponges, and anemones. 

Image B: Rubble 

34o 19.416' N, 75o 47.196' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.416' N, 75o 47.196' W

Image D: Hard Coral-Fauna 

34o 19.428' N, 75o 47.214' W

53
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4693 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), M Nizinski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 4 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 19.512' N, 75o 47.178' W

15-Jun-04

431

392

16:20

18:27

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

34° 19.436'

75° 47.140'

34° 19.512'

75° 47.148'

54
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4693 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia A

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Three habitat types observed during this dive included: 1) sand mixed with coral rubble, 2) coral rubble, and 3) hard 

corals. Attached macrofauna was lacking throughout the dive. Sand mixed with small amounts of coral rubble was the 

dominant substrate off reef. Sediment covered coral rubble was present on the base and face of the slope, and dense 

matrices of mostly dead Lophelia pertusa were present on the top of the slope. Closer to and at the top of the slope, a 

greater percentage of live Lophelia was present as small bushes or standing twigs. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Uchupi (1967)

R/V Eastward training cruise 1966 (photo in Rowe and Menzies 1968 and Menzies et al. 1973)

NR-1 submersible cruise Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross unpubl. data)

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. The overall quality of this footage was fairto-good. There was, however, a lot of particulate matter in the water column and currents were fairly strong. There 

was good footage of numerous squid over an area of hard coral habitat. The sub was stationary for the majority of the 

second DV.

Schools of mesopelagic fishes (Myctophidae and Sternoptychidae) and invertebrates (e.g., squid) were commonly 

encountered throughout all habitats during this dive. Laemonema barbatulum was observed on sand/coral rubble and 

rubble areas. In addition to L. barbatulum, the following species were observed on hard coral habitats: Scyliorhinus

spp., Laemonema melanurum, and Helicolenus dactylopterus. Galatheoid crabs and brittle stars were abundant 

throughout this dive. Other observed invertebrates included Lophelia pertusa, urchins, and sea stars.

Image B: Rubble 

34o 19.440' N, 75o 47.142' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 19.470' N, 75o 47.154' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 19.488' N, 75o 47.154' W

55
Site Characterization Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 5 Depth Range (m): 387 to 450

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

24-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4365 HOV 8:42 11:15 34° 11.344' 75° 53.795' 34° 11.406' 75° 53.743'

24-Sep-01 SW Ross JSLI-4366 HOV 16:18 17:32 34° 10.754' 75° 53.507' 34° 10.765' 75° 53.370'

23-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3429 HOV 8:54 11:10 34° 11.151' 75° 54.028' 34° 11.421' 75° 53.753'

16-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4694 HOV 8:29 10:41 34° 11.277' 75° 53.618' 34° 11.284' 75° 53.788'

16-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4695 HOV 16:49 18:59 34° 11.406' 75° 53.647' 34° 11.411' 75° 53.739'

56
Site Characterization Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR SW Ross DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

 Except for a few maps, there are no published data from this coral mound. The USGS side scan survey (EEZ-SCAN 87 

Scientific Staff 1991) illustrated reefs in this area, and coordinates from that survey guided the NR-1 nuclear research 

submersible cruise during 15-18 Nov 1993 (Sulak and Ross, unpubl. data). The same navigation issue with this cruise 

described in the Cape Lookout A summary was also apparent in this area. NR-1 stations were about 2-2.6 km from the 

major mounds located later by Ross et al. Between summer 2001 and fall 2006, Ross et al. (unpubl. data) sampled this 

area throughout the water column using a variety of methods. The JSL submersible was the primary method for 

collecting bottom data on the reef proper. Five dives were made on coral mounds in this area, and observations from 

these totaled about 10 hours.

These mounds may cover a similar area as those at Cape Lookout A, but again better mapping data are needed. Future 

mapping and data analyses may indicate that the Cape Lookout A and B banks should be combined into one area. Ross 

et al. JSL dives in this area ranged from 387-450 m. Mean bottom temperatures ranged from 5.8 to 10.5 oC, and mean 

bottom salinities were always around 35. These mounds rise at least 60 m over a distance of at least 1 km. There is a 

small mound southeast of the main system, and in general these mounds were less dramatic than those at Cape 

Lookout A. They appeared to be of the same general construction as Bank A, built of coral rubble matrix that had 

trapped sediments. Extensive fields of coral rubble surrounded the area. Both living and dead corals (primarily Lophelia

pertusa) were common on this bank, and some living bushes were quite large.

Fauna observed at this site were similar to that at Cape Lookout A. Brittle stars (Ophiacantha bidentata), various 

anemones, basket stars, and urchins (especially Echinus spp.) were common. Dominant mobile invertebrates included 

galatheoids (especially Eumunida picta), Rochinia crassa, and Bathynectes longispina. On the coral habitats, mostly 

tops and sides of mounds/ridges, the most abundant fishes were Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Beryx 

decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, Dysommina rugosa, Helicolenus dactylopterus, and Hoplostethus occidentalis.

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 11.394' N, 75o 53.778' W

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 10.770' N, 75o 53.376' W *

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 11.250' N, 75o 53.802' W *

57
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4365 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), J Caruso (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss Ln. 

Wilmington NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 11.394' N, 75o 53.778' W 24-Sep-01

428

410

8:42

11:15

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 11.344'

75° 53.795'

34° 11.406'

75° 53.743'

58
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4365 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place exclusively over hard coral habitat without attached fauna. The physical structure of this reef area 

varied from low relief areas of dense dead coral matrices to high-relief thickets with over 40% living Lophelia pertusa. 

A number of these thickets were heavily cemented at the bases making them seem quite dense while others were 

more loosely organized with numerous large interstices. Sandy areas with mixed rubble were common between the 

coral patches.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs, with no time or CTD overlay, and is archived on 3 DVDs. A large amount of 

footage was shot in very close proximity to the reef during attempts at capturing fish. There is some good footage of 

Carcharhinus altimus swimming over the reef.

A number of fishes were seen during this dive, though they were predominantly represented by three species, 

Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum and Hoplostethus occidentalis. The two species of Laemonema were 

common throughout the dive while H. occidentalis occurred more frequently in the high-relief Lophelia thicket areas of 

the dive. Other fishes seen included Myxine glutinosa, Dysommina rugosa, Squalus cubensis, Cirrhigaleus asper and 

notably Carcharhinus altimus. Mobile invertebrates common to this area included vast numbers of brittle stars, several 

spiny and pencil urchins, and a few spider crabs. The only sessile invertebrates observed were basket stars attached 

to some of the larger coral thickets and a number of small, ball-like sponges.

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 11.334' N, 75o 53.796' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 11.352' N, 75o 53.802' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 11.412' N, 75o 53.754' W

59
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4366 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 Purpose Continued trophodynamic studies off North 

Carolina; mapping of deep coral banks and 

ecological studies of macroinvertebrates and 

fishes; educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers G Dennis (bow), SW Ross (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of bow audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss Ln. 

Wilmington NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 10.770' N, 75o 53.376' W * 24-Sep-01

450

438

16:18

17:32

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

34° 10.754'

75° 53.507'

34° 10.765'

75° 53.370'

60
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4366 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive begins over low-relief soft-sediment habitat. Scattered clumps of dead Sargassum were found across this 

habitat. Soft substrate transitioned into a narrow sand/rubble/rock area without attached fauna. This habitat changed 

abruptly into hard coral habitat of low to moderate relief. The remainder of the dive was spent over rolling dune-like 

mounds of sand capped by hard corals. The extent, relief and health of the coral was variable amongst the dunes. 

The small mounds encountered near the end of the dive had an increased percentage of live Lophelia pertusa up to 

75% in some instances.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was covered over 2 mini DVs and converted to 2 DVDs for archiving. There was no time or CTD overlay 

during this dive. The dive was aborted shortly after the beginning of the second DV, and therefore, there was limited 

survey footage of the reef area. Footage was occasionally too dark for habitat classification. There was a lot of 

footage (~40 min) of attempts to rotenone and capture fish, which took up the majority of the first DV. 

The two species of fishes observed over soft-substrate habitat at the beginning of the dive were Myxine glutinosa and 

Chlorophthalmus agassizi. The most common species found over the hard coral habitat were Laemonema 

barbatulum, L. melanurum and Helicolenus dactylopterus. Other fishes observed in small numbers included 

Nettenchelys exoria, Dysommina rugosa and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Mobile invertebrates included a large number 

of Rochinia crassa over the sandy habitat as well as long worm tubes, while over the reef habitat there were 

occasional Chaceon and box crabs, spiny urchins and large numbers of brittle stars. Sessile invertebrates were limited 

to sparsely located flytrap anemones. No other corals or reef building sponges were observed during the dive.

Image B: Soft Sediment 

34o 10.758' N, 75o 53.460' W 

Image C: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

34o 10.770' N, 75o 53.406' W 

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 10.770' N. 75o 53.382' W

61
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3429 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), AM Quattrini (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 203

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of bow audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 11.406' N, 75o 53.754' W 23-Aug-03

450

412

8:54

11:10

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.1

34° 11.151'

75° 54.028'

34° 11.421'

75° 53.753'

62
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3429 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The dive began over a sloping rubble habitat, but the transition to the main hard coral reef was not recorded. The 

second DV began almost 100' shallower than the first DV ended. The second half of the dive covered a dense, 

complex Lophelia thicket of moderate-to-high-relief with large interstices. Most of the coral was dead with live coral 

only at the tips, though there were scattered large colonies of living Lophelia.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001& Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs. The first DV contained only 5 minutes of very dark 

video. The second DV began a full hour after the first one ended. There was no internal bow video from which to 

recover the lost data. At times, the footage on the second DV was filmed too close, out of focus, too bright or pointing 

out into the water column. There was condensation on the inner lens of the camera that at times obscured the view.

The most common species observed during this dive were Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum, Polyipnus clarus 

and Hoplostethus occidentalis. Other species present included Myxine glutinosa, Maurolicus weitzmani and 

Dysommina rugosa. A tremendous number of amphipods and/or mysids were found in the water column over the reef 

throughout the second half of the dive. Next to these, the most common mobile invertebrates were spiny urchins, 

Eumunida picta and Rochinia crassa. Sessile invertebrates were less common, with only scattered anemones, basket 

stars and sparse living Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Hard Coral 

34o 11.412' N, 75o 53.754' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 11.412' N, 75o 53.766' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 11.418' N, 75o 53.754' W *

63
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4694 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), TL Casazza (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 11.250' N, 75o 53.802' W * 16-Jun-04

440

387

8:29

10:41

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.6

34° 11.277'

75° 53.618'

34° 11.284'

75° 53.788'

64
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4694 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

A strong current was present during most of this dive as the submersible traversed over three different habitat types: 

sand/coral rubble, coral rubble, and hard coral (Lophelia pertusa). Attached fauna was sparse throughout all habitats. 

Sand mixed with some coral rubble was on the base of a slope, whereas coral rubble was observed up slope. Lophelia

pertusa was present near and at the top of the slope in large mounds that were densely packed and made up of 

mostly dead coral. Few (~10%) twigs and bushes of live coral were present throughout this area. Few anemones were 

sparsely attached to these dead coral mounds. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. The third DV has only 5 minutes of video. There is 

good footage of a Conger oceanicus.

On the rubble and sand/rubble habitats, several Laemonema barbatulum and one squalid shark were observed. 

Invertebrates were not as common in these habitats as they were in the hard coral habitat. Brittle stars were the most 

abundant invertebrate in the hard coral (Lophelia pertusa) habitat area, covering the surface of and occupying all 

spaces in the dead coral matrices. Other invertebrates observed in the hard coral area were a few anemones, fly trap 

anemones, urchins, sea stars, squid, hexactinellid sponges, Novodinia antillensis, and Eumunida picta. Fishes were 

also more diverse in the hard coral habitat, and included Conger oceanicus, Dysommina rugosa, Beryx decadactylus, 

and Hoplostethus occidentalis. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

34o 11.262' N, 75o 53.616' W *

Image C: Hard Coral 

34o 11.274' N, 75o 53.640' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 11.232' N, 75o 53.826' W

65
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4695 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), C Morrison (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 30

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

34o 11.388' N, 75o 53.772' W

16-Jun-04

442

407

16:49

18:59

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.4

34° 11.406'

75° 53.647'

34° 11.411'

75° 53.739'

66
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4695 STUDY AREA: Cape Lookout Lophelia B

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Near the base of a large slope, coral rubble was the dominant substrate. As the submersible transected up slope, an 

extensive L. pertusa habitat was observed. On the face of the slope, Lophelia was mostly dead, with few standing 

twigs and bushes of live coral with low relief < 1 m. The submersible passed over the crests of several slopes, where 

mostly (50-90%) live Lophelia was found in large bushes with very high relief (up to 5 m). Sparse attached fauna was 

observed in both habitats. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

R/V Cape Hatteras cruises Aug 2001 & Sep 2006 (S.W. Ross, unpubl. data)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. At times, video transects were underlit and the color 

balance was off for the majority of the dive giving a green cast to the footage. Most of the video on the second DV was 

close-up footage during submersible collections. 

Several fishes and invertebrates were observed in coral rubble and hard coral habitats. Nezumia aequalis, Helicolenus 

dactylopterus, Laemonema barbatulum, Chlorophthalmus agassizi and a few pencil urchins were observed in the 

rubble zone. In the hard coral area, a few Hoplostethus occidentalis, Beryx decadactylus, and Laemonema melanurum

were observed. Mobile invertebrates were common, including brittle stars, pencil urchins, Eumunida picta, sea stars, 

and Echinus spp. Sessile invertebrates included few Novodinia antillensis and anemones attached to Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Rubble 

34o 11.406' N, 75o 53.634' W *

Image C:Rubble 

34o 11.000' N, 75o 53.670' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

34o 11.454' N, 75o 53.688' W

67
Site Characterization Cape Fear Lophelia

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 7 Depth Range (m): 368 to 449

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

13-Aug-02 SW Ross JSLII-3308 HOV 8:29 10:58 33° 34.330' 76° 28.054' 33° 34.434' 76° 27.905'

21-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3425 HOV 8:21 10:47 33° 34.380' 76° 27.930' 33° 34.465' 76° 27.866'

21-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3426 HOV 16:36 19:03 33° 34.381' 76° 27.906' 33° 34.326' 76° 27.911'

22-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3427 HOV 8:33 10:51 33° 34.280' 76° 27.750' 33° 34.477' 76° 27.697'

22-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3428 HOV 16:11 18:17 33° 34.384' 76° 27.949' 33° 34.441' 76° 27.886'

17-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4696 HOV 8:31 10:25 33° 34.367' 76° 27.708' 33° 34.360' 76° 27.670'

17-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4697 HOV 16:42 18:24 33° 34.570' 76° 27.835' 33° 34.589' 76° 27.773'

68
Site Characterization Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR SW Ross DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

Aside from the map in EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) there are no published data from this coral mound and no 

indication that it was sampled before the studies initiated by Ross et al. (unpubl. data) from 2002-2004. Ross et al. 

located this bank using coordinates estimated from the USGS survey (EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff 1991). The JSL 

submersible was the primary method for collecting bottom data on the reef proper. Seven dives were made on coral 

mounds in this area, and observations from these totaled about 16 hours.

Sampling in this area was focused on a relatively small area, but data are lacking to accurately estimate the size and 

area covered by coral mounds or rubble zones. Unlike the Cape Lookout banks, this mound appears to be a single, 

large mound with a rugged, creviced top and sides. Ross et al. JSL dives in this area ranged from 368-449 m. Mean 

bottom temperatures ranged from 8.7 to 11.7 oC, and mean bottom salinities were always near 35. This main mound 

rises nearly 80 m over a distance of about 0.4 km, and exhibits some of the most rugged habitat and vertical 

exaggeration of any area sampled. This mound system also appears to be of the same general construction as Cape 

Lookout banks A and B, being built of coral rubble matrix with trapped sediments. Both living and dead corals (Lophelia

pertusa) were common on this bank, as were fields of coral rubble. In some areas, dead corals occurred as a thick matrix 

of large, low profile, compacted branches, thickets, bushes, and/or rubble. 

Fauna observed at this site were similar to Cape Lookout A and B. Brittle stars (Ophiacantha bidentata), various 

anemones, basket stars, and urchins (especially Echinus spp.) were common. In some areas, anemones were very 

abundant and almost blanketed the dead coral. Dominant mobile invertebrates included galatheoids (especially 

Eumunida picta), Rochinia crassa, and Bathynectes longispina. On the tops and sides of the mounds/ridges, the most 

abundant fishes were Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Beryx decadactylus, Conger oceanicus, Nezumia 

sclerorhynchus, Polyprion americanus, Helicolenus dactylopterus, and Hoplostethus occidentalis. This was the only 

North Carolina site where commercially valuable wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) were observed.

Image A: Hard Coral 

33o 34.398' N, 76o 27.948' W

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.422' N, 76o 27.882' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.554' N, 76o 27.792' W

69
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3308 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, and educational 

outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), M Nizinski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 4 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, USGS, UNCW, NC Coastal Reserve, 

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2002

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

33o 34.398' N, 76o 27.948' W 13-Aug-02

449

368

8:29

10:58

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

33° 34.330'

76° 28.054'

33° 34.434'

76° 27.905'

70
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3308 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began at the base of a steep slope (~80o) on a sandy, rubble strewn area. The side of the slope was 

covered in dense coral rubble cemented into small mounds that graded into larger coral mounds of moderate-to-highrelief. The coral bushes near the top of the mound had a higher concentration of live Lophelia pertusa growth (~50%).

Throughout the remainder of the dive, the habitat alternated between hard coral without attached fauna to hard coral 

with attached fauna. The underlying structure was typically the same in both of these habitats with rolling peaks of 

dense coral and valleys of sand and coral rubble.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. The sub was frequently too far off the bottom to see 

the habitat clearly. Much of the wide-angle video was underlit and heavy particulates often caused backscattering of 

the light that was available. The video overlay was turned on and off periodically but the audio quality was good.

Tthere was something on the internal lens of the camera that caused the images to seem out of focus.

A number of fishes were observed during the beginning of the dive, over low relief hard coral and scattered rubble 

substrata. The most common species in this area was Laemonema barbatulum. Also seen were Helicolenus 

dactylopterus, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, and Polyprion americanus. Beryx decadactylus were common over the highrelief reef area, with over 20 individuals seen in one location. Other species seen in low numbers over the reef were 

Conger oceanicus, Helicolenus dactylopterus and a number of other scorpaenids. A large number of mobile 

invertebrates were present on the reef, including Eumunida picta, Bathynectes longispina, spiny and pencil urchins and 

brittle stars. The number of sessile invertebrates observed varied, with some areas having only sparse flytrap 

anemones and small hydroids and others having a dense carpeting of small orange anemones that completely 

covered the underlying coral interspersed with flytrap anemones. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

33o 34.326' N, 76o 28.044' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.344' N, 76o 27.906' W

Image D: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.386' N, 76o 27.918' W

71
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3425 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), J Berg (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

33o 34.314' N, 76o 27.900' W 21-Aug-03

394

369

8:21

10:47

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

33° 34.380'

76° 27.930'

33° 34.465'

76° 27.866'

72
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3425 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The dive followed a series of steep slopes (~50o) covered in dense Lophelia and also crossed flat plateaus dominated 

by low-relief rubble. The hard coral habitats in this area generally varied between dense dead coral rubble matrices, to 

moderate-relief Lophelia bushes without attached fauna, to higher relief Lophelia bushes covered in dense anemone 

colonies. Many of the Lophelia growths formed intricate thickets of branching coral with large interstices.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. Condensation on the inner lens of the camera 

blurred the center of the view. Frequent overlighting of close footage, underlighting of wide-angle views, moderate 

amounts of marine snow and periodic static interference in the feed interfered with the quality of this video. There is, 

however, good footage of several different wreckfish, Polyprion americanus.

A number of fish species were observed during this dive; the most common were Polyprion americanus, Maurolicus 

weitzmani and Beryx decadactylus. Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum and Pontinus rathbuni were also observed 

in low numbers. Mobile invertebrates were common throughout the dive. Brittle stars, pencil urchins, orange and 

flytrap anemones, and Eumunida picta were the most common. Rochinia crassa, basket stars and crinoids were also 

seen in moderate numbers in addition to a single, small octopus. Lophelia pertusa was the only hard coral observed in 

the area.

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.374' N, 76o 27.924' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.350' N, 76o 27.882' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 34.314' N, 76o 27.888' W

73
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3426 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Howard (bow), A Brooks (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.398' N, 76o 27.894' W 21-Aug-03

431

368

16:36

19:03

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.1

33° 34.381'

76° 27.906'

33° 34.326'

76° 27.911'

74
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3426 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

As noted above, this dive took place over hard coral habitat, which varied in relief and degree of attached macrofauna. 

The slope of the substrate also varied throughout, alternating between flat expanses and 45o slopes as the sub 

traveled across the top of this large feature. The underlying substrate, viewed between coral growths, was 

predominantly coral rubble mixed with soft-sediment.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and saved to 3 DVDs for archiving. There was no time/CTD overlay for any of 

these tapes and little audio, making it difficult to correlate video time to real time. The first DV began with the launch 

and included several minutes of the descent. There was condensation on the inner camera lens that caused 

blurriness in the center of the footage. There were also problems with color balancing and static interference in the 

feed. The second and third DVs were of better quality than the first.

This dive took place over an extensive Lophelia pertusa reef. Of the fish species observed, the most common was 

Beryx decadactylus. Laemonema melanurum, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Polyprion americanus were also seen, 

though in lower numbers. Eumunida picta was the dominant mobile invertebrate observed. There were also a number 

of pencil urchins, several Bathynectes longispina and a single squid. Occurrence of sessile invertebrates varied 

throughout the dive. The areas designated as hard coral with attached fauna had a range of attached macrofauna, 

from several flytrap anemones on a single bush to dense carpets of orange anemones covering entire stands. Hard 

coral habitat without attached fauna occasionally had low concentrations of anemones and/or basket stars. The 

majority of the living Lophelia was found at the beginning of the dive where it made up ~75% of the reef. 

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.380' N, 76o 27.900' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.308' N, 76o 27.960' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 34.410' N, 76o 27.924' W *

75
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3427 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), D Angell (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.308' N, 76o 27.744' W 22-Aug-03

431

380

8:33

10:51

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.9

33° 34.280'

76° 27.750'

33° 34.477'

76° 27.697'

76
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3427 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place over the top of this large feature, alternating between steep (~45o) slopes and flat plains. Most of 

the hard coral habitat in the area was low-to-moderate-relief with little living Lophelia (5-10%) and often consisting of 

dense dead coral matrices rather than bushes. The coral rubble in the rubble habitat had less structure than the dead 

coral matrices.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. Most of the footage was of habitat and fishes filmed 

in close up while the sub was stationary. At times, the view was out of focus, too dark, or blurred from condensation 

on the inner camera lens. 

The most abundant species observed during this dive was Maurolicus weitzmani, owing to a school of several hundred 

encountered half-way through the dive. Other common, though more dispersed species, were Hoplostethus and 

Laemonema barbatulum. Several other species were represented by only one or two individuals, such as Helicolenus

dactylopterus, Scyliorhinus retifer, and Polyipnus clarus. Brittle stars were the most abundant mobile invertebrates 

observed during the dive. Eumunida picta, pencil urchins and spiny urchins were also observed, though in lower 

numbers. Though this dive took place over predominantly hard coral habitat, there was very little live Lophelia present

(<10%). Numerous orange anemones covered the coral at the beginning of the dive (Images A & B), but were largely 

absent during the remainder of the dive.

Image B: Rubble 

33o 34.362' N, 76o 27.714' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.368' N, 76o 27.708' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 34.440' N, 76o 27.690' W

77
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3428 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers AM Necaise (bow), M Randall (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 0

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.422' N, 76o 27.882' W 22-Aug-03

397

368

16:11

18:17

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

33° 34.384'

76° 27.949'

33° 34.441'

76° 27.886'

78
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3428 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place primarily along the top of this large feature, traveling down a steep (~45o) slope to a valley floor 

and up another similarly steep slope. The base of these slopes contained a dense dead coral matrix of low-relief that 

was covered with thousands of small orange anemones and large flytrap anemones. Most of the coral habitat 

encountered during this dive had almost no living Lophelia (<5%), though some areas near the beginning had large 

bushes of healthy Lophelia growth (>50%).

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. There was some kind of material on the inner 

camera lens that obscured some details and caused blurriness. Additionally, the first DV did not begin until after the 

sub had been on bottom for almost 15 minutes, and there was no internal video from which to recover these data. 

There was no time/CTD overlay for the majority of the dive, though it did come on for short periods that allowed for 

correlations to be made between video time and real time.

A large variety of fish species were observed during this dive, though most were represented by only a few individuals. 

The most common were Polyprion americanus, Laemonema melanurum and L. barbatulum. Others seen included 

Conger oceanicus, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Scyliorhinus meadi and Helicolenus dactylopterus. Eumunida picta was 

the most common mobile invertebrate, followed by unidentified spiny urchins. Rochinia crassa and Chaceon crabs 

were seen occasionally. Sessile attahed invertebrates were dominant in one portion of this dive, with orange and 

flytrap anemones forming dense carpets over the top of dead Lophelia pertusa reefs. In other areas small sponges 

and flytrap anemones were scattered across the reef in low numbers.

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

33o 34.374' N, 76o 27.936' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.440' N, 76o 27.912' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 34.512' N, 76o 27.858' W

79
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4696 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Brooks (bow), M Nizinski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

33o 34.350' N, 76o 27.678' W

17-Jun-04

402

389

8:31

10:25

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1.1

33° 34.367'

76° 27.708'

33° 34.360'

76° 27.670'

80
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4696 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

A strong current was evident on bottom and a lot of particulate matter was in the water column. A dense, dead, hard 

coral (Lophelia pertusa) matrix covered the slope and slope crests in this area. In some areas, there were small 

patches of thick layers of broken pieces of coral rubble interspersed with sand channels. In other areas, there were 

patches of dense, cemented coral rubble, which created a standing "matrix" of dead, hard coral. Throughout this area, 

there were standing twigs or small bushes of live L. pertusa; however, 95% of coral observed was dead. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. The majority of both DVs contains zoomed 

footage with little perspective on the surrounding habitat. The submersible spent most of this dive in a stationary 

position, collecting specimens and videotaping in close-up mode. 

Thousands of brittle stars covered the substrate (mostly dead Lophelia pertusa) in this area. In addition, Echinus

tylodes, Eumunida picta, pencil urchins, fly trap anemones, and sea stars were observed. Only four individuals of three 

fish species were observed: Laemonema barbatulum, Helicolenus dactylopterus, and Chaunax stigmaeus.

Image B: Hard Coral 

33o 34.368' N, 76o 27.702' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.368' N, 76o 27.684' W *

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 34.350' N, 76o 27.702' W

81
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4697 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), AM Quattrini (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

33o 34.560' N, 76o 27.798' W

17-Jun-04

411

394

16:42

18:24

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

33° 34.570'

76° 27.835'

33° 34.589'

76° 27.773'

82
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4697 STUDY AREA: Cape Fear Lophelia

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The habitat observed during this dive was very similar to dive JSLI-4696. Overall, the habitat was standing dense, 

dead hard coral (Lophelia pertusa) matrix, mixed with patches of coral rubble and coarse sand. Small standing twigs 

and bushes of live Lophelia pertusa were also observed. Attached fauna were common and included small, pink 

anemones, fly trap anemones, and hexactinellid sponges. A strong current was apparent during this dive.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. At times, transects were underlit, there 

were long stretches of closely zoomed data, and there was interference from the video feed. The sub also frequently 

left the bottom, making habitat classifications difficult. 

Brittle stars, Echinus spp., Eumunida picta, anemones, and hexactinellid sponges were abundant invertebrates 

observed in this Lophelia pertusa habitat. Fishes were uncommon; however, Polyprion americanus was most 

abundant. Other fishes observed included scorpaenids, Laemonema barbatulum, and Chaunax stigmaeus. 

Image B: Hard Coral 

33o 34.554' N, 76o 27.792' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

33o 34.560' N, 76o 27.798' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

33o 33.566' N, 76o 27.786' W

83
Site Characterization Stetson Banks

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 5 Depth Range (m): 592 to 721

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

17-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3419 HOV 8:40 10:51 32° 01.746' 77° 40.441' 32° 02.005' 77° 40.486'

17-Aug-03 SW Ross JSLII-3420 HOV 16:18 18:24 32° 02.012' 77° 40.706' 32° 02.039' 77° 40.927'

13-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4689 HOV 8:37 10:37 31° 49.153' 77° 36.770' 31° 49.153' 77° 36.195'

18-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4698 HOV 9:42 11:31 31° 49.454' 77° 36.693' 31° 49.561' 77° 36.788'

18-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4699 HOV 16:59 19:09 31° 50.895' 77° 36.724' 31° 50.751' 77° 36.774'

84
Site Characterization Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR SW Ross, AM Quattrini DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

The Stetson area is a very large region of extremely diverse, rugged topography and bottom types. Many mounds and 

ridges were surveyed by depth sounder in 1956, 1957, 1959, and 1960 (Stetson et al. 1962). However, these features 

were not confirmed to support extensive coral habitat until they were dredged and photographed in 1961 (Stetson 1961; 

Stetson et al. 1969). Stetson et al. (1962) gave the first detailed accounting of SEUS coral banks in an area now called 

the 'Stetson Banks', confirming that the major hard corals were L. pertusa and Enallopsammia (=Dendrophyllia)

profunda. They also reported species of Bathypsammia, Caryophyllia, and Balanophyllia as well as abundant 

alcyonarians. There is a deep canyon on the eastern side of this system with abundant corals on its western rim. While 

the surface waters of Stetson Bank can be outside the main Gulf Stream axis, bottom currents can be quite strong. This 

is one of the deeper and more interesting coral areas on the Blake Plateau and warrants further exploration.

Ross et al. completed five JSL dives in 2003-2004, surveying a depth range of 592-721 m. Mean temperatures ranged 

from 9.9 to 12.2 oC, whereas salinities were constant around 35. Habitats observed included rock ledge, rubble, and hard 

coral, typically with attached fauna. 

Corals and other sessile invertebrates were diverse in the Stetson area, and much different from the North Carolina 

sites. Corals that commonly occurred included solitary colonies of L. pertusa and E. profunda, and Leiopathes spp., 

Bathypathes spp., Plumerella spp., other alcyonaceans, zoanthids, and solitary cup corals. These corals occurred 

primarily on the slopes and crests of ridges. Several species of sponges, hydroids, and anemones were also frequently 

observed. Generally sessile species were attached to hard substrate, small rock ledges, or on rubble and consolidated 

sand. This rubble-sand substrate may have overlain hard substrate; however, this was difficult to discern with certainty. 

Mobile invertebrates were common in the Stetson area, and included galatheids, Bathynectes longispina, Echinus 

tylodes and a variety of sea stars. In the rock ledge, hard coral, and mixed habitats, abundant fishes included

Laemonema melanurum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Polyprion americanus was observed in 

this area; however, this species was not common. 

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

31o 49.212' N, 77o 36.804' W

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

31o 49.542' N, 77o 36.828' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 50.730' N, 77o 36.666' W

85
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3419 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers AM Quattrini (bow), KJ Sulak (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 72

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

32o 02.022' N, 77o 40.446' W 17-Aug-03

622

592

8:40

10:51

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

32° 01.746'

77° 40.441'

32° 02.005'

77° 40.486'

86
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3419 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a relatively flat region of sediment and rubble, covered with sparse fauna, grading into a more 

dense, though still low-relief, mixed coral habitat. Some low rock ledges encrusted with small hydroids and soft corals 

were observed. These ledges appeared to be heavily cemented rubble that had been undercut, rather than solid rock. 

Two-thirds of the way through the dive the habitat shifted dramatically with an abrupt embankment dropping away at a 

steep (~70o) angle. This slope was dominated by medium sized growths (>1m) of Lophelia pertusa that was 

surrounded and covered by macrofauna such as hydroids, small sponges and octocorals. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Stetson (1961) Williams et al. (2006)

Stetson et al. (1962) Williams et al. (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. The center of the footage appears out of focus 

because of condensation on the inner lens of the camera. Video recorded during transects was occasionally filmed 

too closely and lit too brightly for perspective on the surrounding habitat.

Only two species of fish were observed during this dive, Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Laemonema melanurum.

Mobile invertebrates were found in low numbers; the most common were spiny and pancake urchins. Eumunida picta

and Bathynectes longispina were present. The area was dominated by sessile invertebrates, at times forming a 

densely populated live bottom habitat consisting of hydroids, primnoids, plexaurids, isidids (Acanella), numerous 

dendrophyllids, hexactinellid sponges, Stylaster and Lophelia pertusa. The distinction between mixed habitat and hard 

coral habitat was determined by the amount of Lophelia present, though many of the same species were present in 

both areas.

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

32o 01.812' N, 77o 40.512' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

32o 01.890' N, 77o 40.500' W

Image D: Hard Coral-Fauna 

32o 02.010' N, 77o 40.452' W

87
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3420 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), A Brooks (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2003

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

32o 02.052' N, 77o 40.806' W 17-Aug-03

640

624

16:18

18:24

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.8

32° 02.012'

77° 40.706'

32° 02.039'

77° 40.927'

88
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3420 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive followed a ridge with a precipitous drop on one side (70o slope) and a flat plateau on the other. The habitat in 

the area varied from hard coral to mixed to rock ledge, all of which had a dense coverage of attached macrofauna. 

The underlying substrate in these regions seemed to be dense coral rubble mixed with fine sediment. The rock ledge 

areas appeared to be made up of heavily cemented slabs of coral rubble that had been undercut, rather than solid 

rock.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Stetson (1961) Williams et al. (2006)

Stetson et al. (1962) Williams et al. (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. Condensation on the inner camera lens obscured the 

center of the viewing field. The lighting was occasionally too bright, making identification of habitat components 

difficult. Additionally, there is a 30 minute gap between the DVs and no internal bow video from which to recover 

those data.

Very few species of fish or mobile invertebrates were observed during this dive. The most common fish species were 

Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Laemonema barbatulum, L. melanurum and Chlorophthalmus agassizi. Of the mobile 

invertebrates, pancake and spiny urchins were the most common, while only a few Bathynectes longispina were 

observed. The sessile invertebrates were highly diverse and abundant in this area. The dominant groups in the area 

were hydroids, primnoids, dendrophyllids, hexactinellid sponges and small colonies of Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

32o 01.980' N, 77o 40.704' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

32o 02.052' N, 77o 40.818' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

32o 02.022' N, 77o 40.914' W

89
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4689 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Howard (bow), AM Quattrini (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 13

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

31o 49.212' N, 77o 36.804' W

13-Jun-04

672

666

8:37

10:37

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.4

31° 49.153'

77° 36.770'

31° 49.153'

77° 36.195'

90
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4689 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Habitat in the beginning of this dive was patchy, and included areas of coral rubble and hard corals with and without 

fauna. The rubble area was dense (90% cover) and had few branches of live Lophelia pertusa. The hard coral areas 

were mostly dead (~75%) Lophelia mounds (<2 m profile). At times, these hard coral areas were overgrown with 

attached fauna, including anemones and alcyonaceans.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Stetson (1961) Williams et al. (2006)

Stetson et al. (1962) Williams et al. (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and saved on 2 DVDs for archiving. Much of the transect footage was underlit

and a large amount of footage was spent zoomed in very closely. There were also problems with color-balancing and 

interruptions in the video feed.

Very few fishes were observed on this dive. Largely, a hard coral area was observed, but only a few individuals were 

seen, including Laemonema melanurum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, and Nettenchelys exoria. Invertebrates were 

diverse and common. White seastars, Echinus tylodes, a few galatheids, and Bathynectes spp. were observed in the 

hard coral habitat. Sessile invertebrate fauna included fly trap anemones, other anemones, alcyonaceans, and 

antipatharians. 

Image B: Hard Coral 

31o 49.242' N, 77o 36.780' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

31o 49.248' N, 77o 36.846' W *

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 49.116' N, 77o 36.882' W *

91
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4698 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), G Yeargin (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 4 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

31o 49.542' N, 77o 36.828' W

18-Jun-04

703

660

9:42

11:31

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 49.454'

77° 36.693'

31° 49.561'

77° 36.788'

92
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4698 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Four habitat types were observed during this dive: 1) mixed coral community, 2) rock ledges with attached fauna, 3) 

coral rubble, and 4) sand and coral rubble with attached fauna. Habitats in this entire area were patchy, and the four 

habitats were intermittently observed. The mixed community consisted of antipatharians, isidids, cup corals, 

alcyonaceans, and isolated colonies of Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia spp. Corals in this mixed community 

were attached to coral rubble and sand/coral rubble substrate, and this substrate was generally overlain with a 

crustose sediment layer. Rock ledges were of fairly low profile (< 1m) and also had mixtures of corals attached. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Stetson (1961) Williams et al. (2006)

Stetson et al. (1962) Williams et al. (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. The video during transects was often underlit and the 

sub frequently left the bottom, but there is some good footage of Laemonema melanurum and of mixed habitat 

communities.

Several fishes were seen throughout this area. Laemonema melanurum was most abundant and observed throughout 

all habitats. Other fishes observed included Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Sessile 

invertebrates were diverse and common and included several species of antipatharians, isidids, alcyonaceans, and 

scleractinians. Mobile invertebrates observed included galatheids and Bathynectes longispina.

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

31o 49.524' N, 77o 36.762' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 49.530' N, 77o 36.738' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

(No Position Available)

93
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4699 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers TL Casazza (bow) E Baird (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 4 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs, 3 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 50.736' N, 77o 36.654' W * 18-Jun-04

721

658

16:59

19:09

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 50.895'

77° 36.724'

31° 50.751'

77° 36.774'

94
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4699 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Habitats in this area were patchy. The following were observed during this dive: 1) coral rubble, 2) mixed coral 

community, and 3) rock ledges with attached fauna. In the rubble zone, there were few soft corals, isidids, fly trap 

anemones, and sponges. The mixed community consisted of a diversity of antipatharians, isidids, cup corals, 

alcyonaceans, sponges, and solitary colonies of Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia spp. The substrate of the mixed 

community was coral rubble and sand. These corals were also attached to rock ledges, which were low profile (< 1m). 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Stetson (1961) Williams et al. (2006)

Stetson et al. (1962) Williams et al. (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs and saved to 3 DVDs for archiving. In the first DV, there was a lot of 

interruption in the video feed and underlit transect footage. The third DV contains footage of the ascent and sub 

recovery.

Laemonema melanurum and Nezumia sclerorhynchus were two commonly observed fish species in the area. 

Crinoids, urchins, fly trap anemones, Bathynectes longispina, sponges, and a diversity of corals were the invertebrates 

observed during the dive. Coral diversity included several species of antipatharians, scleractinians, alcyonaceans, and 

isidids.

Image B: Rubble 

31o 50.850' N, 77o 36.624' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 50.724' N, 77o 36.654' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 50.730' N, 77o 36.666' W

95
Site Characterization Savannah Banks East

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 7 Depth Range (m): 474 to 584

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

27-Sep-01 GR Sedberry JSLI-4368 HOV 8:41 11:07 31° 39.222' 78° 45.206' 31° 39.746' 78° 45.052'

28-Sep-01 GR Sedberry JSLI-4369 HOV 8:41 11:01 31° 44.051' 78° 48.136' 31° 44.104' 78° 47.908'

28-Sep-01 GR Sedberry JSLI-4370 HOV 16:01 18:36 31° 43.839' 78° 47.950' 31° 44.381' 78° 47.581'

03-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3406 HOV 16:28 18:09 31° 42.120' 78° 48.510' 31° 42.036' 78° 48.771'

06-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3408 HOV 8:52 11:17 31° 44.178' 78° 48.177' 31° 43.848' 78° 48.360'

06-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3409 HOV 16:35 19:00 31° 44.256' 78° 48.411' 31° 44.136' 78° 48.520'

13-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3418 HOV 8:39 10:41 31° 44.268' 78° 48.363' 31° 44.124' 78° 48.470'

96
Site Characterization Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR GR Sedberry DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

Dives 3418 and 3409 were in close proximity in a scoured out area below the main scarp on the Charleston Bump 

("Wreckfish Scarp"). Dive 3408 was farther offshore and was actually in a depression on top of the scarp. These dive 

sites were referred to as "Neptune’s Staircase" in NOAA-OE logs and web sites 

(http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03bump/logs/aug13/aug13.html). Reconnaissance of rugged bottom 

topography in this area, using submersibles in 2001 and 2003, and sonar surveys in 2000-2003, revealed a diversity of 

bottom types, from flat hard bottom to rugged relief and near-vertical scarps. Both dives and sonar surveys indicated 

rugged bottom topography ranging from a few to over 100 m in relief. South of the dive sites, in the middle of the survey 

area, the bottom was relatively smooth and sloped gradually upward to rough bottom at the top of a system of scarps 

(Dive 3408) at about 430 m depth. Northward of this shallower area, the bottom dropped precipitously at a series of 

scarps ("Wreckfish Scarp"), to deep scour depressions at depths greater than 580 m. (Dives 3409 and 3418). The 

bottom encountered during these dives was nearly continuous hard substrate. The southern edge of this relatively flat 

area contained some high-relief bottom and wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) habitat, and a successful dive was 

completed near the smaller scarps where wreckfish occurred. In this area several large wreckfish, conger eels and 

some spectacular rock overhangs were encountered. Wreckfish were observed closely associated with high-relief rocky 

bottom, and none were observed over flat hard bottom. In flat areas, codlings (Moridae) and grenadiers (Macrouridae) 

were found. Individual codlings and grenadiers were often associated with small corals (Lophelia and Stylaster) that 

grew in evenly spaced clumps on the hard pavement. Chaunacid anglerfishes were also found in this habitat, and 

skates were occasionally observed.

Rock samples obtained indicated that there are at least three distinct rock types forming the sea floor in the area. These 

include manganese-phosphorite pavement and nodules, foraminiferan limestone and calcareous mudstone. The latter 

two types were found in an interbedded sequence on dives 3405, 3408, 3409 and 3418. This area had "stairstep" relief 

of about 20 m. The mudstone exhibited greater erosion in situ and was very chalky to the touch. The foraminiferan 

limestone was more resistant to the erosive forces of the strong bottom currents and produced overhangs and steeperfaced slopes. The result was a terraced, step-like sequence of alternating calcareous mudstones (the eroded terraces) 

and foraminiferan limestones (the 'stairs' at "Neptune's Staircase"). These rocks indicated the cyclical fluctuations over 

time of the alternating strength of the Gulf Stream, with the mudstone deposition only possible during low-energy flow 

regimes. In other places, the rocks formed nearly vertical cliffs; with alternating layers of the two carbonate rocks.

Overhanging ledges occurred at times, and corals, anemones, and sponges grew on the underside of the overhangs. 

Overall, sessile benthic organisms were abundant on the foraminiferan limestone. Few, if any, organisms were observed 

attached to the mudstone, perhaps because of its low resistance to erosion. Manganese-phosphorite was found on most 

dives in this area; however, we encountered less than expected. This phosphorite occurred as broken pavement or 

scattered rubble, some of which was nodular in form; an intact pavement layer was never observed. One rock that was 

collected included a pavement layer on top of a limestone layer and a small piece of manganese-phosphate at the base. 

This rock is evidence that there was probably an interbedded manganese-phosphorite and limestone sequence nearby. 

Near the base of the 'staircase', we collected a single rock that contained two distinct layers of manganese-phosphorite, 

with foraminiferan limestone sandwiched between them. The manganese-phosphorite rocks appeared to have a 

different organisms inhabiting their surface, and densities were lower than on the limestone, although this has yet to be 

quantified. Only a few solitary anemones, sponges, ascidians and stony corals were found on collected rock specimens.

Image A: Rock Ledge-Barren 

31o 44.154' N, 78o 48.210' W

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.196' N, 78o 48.420' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.016' N, 78o 48.126' W

97
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4368 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers GR Sedberry (bow), LR Sautter, (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 39.648' N, 78o 45.090' W 27-Sep-01

489

476

8:41

11:07

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1

31° 39.222'

78° 45.206'

31° 39.746'

78° 45.052'

98
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4368 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive was attempted on a 100-m scarp (Wreckfish Scarp), one of the main features of the Charleston Bump. 

However, the currents were very strong and the submersible landed on relatively flat bottom north of the scarp, and 

could not navigate towards it. Consequently, this dive took place over a relatively flat area with maximum slope of 20o.

Three main habitats were encountered: mixed, sand/rubble/rock-fauna, and rock ledge-fauna. The characteristics of 

these habitats varied slightly throughout the dive. Mixed habitat was typically made up of small stony corals and a 

mixture of sponges and soft corals, all low-relief, with some rocks and occasional ledges. The rock ledge habitats 

were all low-relief and primarily made up of manganese. Both of these habitats had only a thin veneer of sediment 

overlying hard rock. The sand/rubble/rock habitat bordered the other two habitat types and was marked for an 

increased amount of soft sediment, occasionally forming dunes, and a thinning of attached macrofauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs with no time overlay. Real time and video time were correlated using CTD 

depth for the first half of the dive. The second half of the dive had no recorded CTD information, so correlations are 

nearest approximations. The video was turned off for an indeterminate amount of time during the second DV while 

attempts were made to attract fish with the sub lights turned off. There was a very strong current during this dive and a 

moderate amount of marine snow, which made identifications of small macrofauna difficult. However, when the sub 

was stopped the footage was very good.

The most common fishes observed during the course of this dive were Helicolenus dactylopterus, Laemonema 

melanurum and Nezumia sclerorhynchus. Mobile invertebrates were limited to Bathynectes longispina and a few 

basket stars. The macrofaunal community was variable throughout the dive. Some areas were dominated by small 

stony corals and a few large barrel sponges while other areas were covered in primnoids, isidids, hexactinellids and 

fanlike sponges. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockFauna

31o 39.420' N, 78o 45.216' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 39.600' N, 78o 45.006' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 39.660' N, 78o 45.078' W

99
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4369 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers DM Wyanski (bow), DB White (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.016' N, 78o 48.126' W 28-Sep-01

520

474

8:41

11:01

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1

31° 44.051'

78° 48.136'

31° 44.104'

78° 47.908'

100
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4369 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a gradually sloped, mixed habitat environment. The sub transected up a relatively steep slope (~

30o) to reach the summit of the ridge and continue down its other face. The opposite side was considerably different, 

ranging from rock ledge habitat to sand/rubble/rock areas with and without attached fauna. The exposed rock ledges 

were typically manganese as were the many small rocks found scattered throughout the area.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. There was no time overlay and little in the way of audio commentary by which 

to correlate real time and video time. There were a couple of interruptions in the footage that seemed to indicate a 

gap in time, adding to the difficulty of correlating real time and video time. At times, the lighting was low during 

transects and the video was shot too closely or was out of focus, however, it was still possible to classify habitats and 

identify fishes. The video contains nice footage of two Polyprion americanus along a rock ledge environment. 

A number of fish were observed during this dive, though the majority of them were two species, Laemonema 

melanurum and L. barbatulum. Nezumia spp. and Helicolenus dactylopterus were seen throughout the dive, and two 

Polyprion americanus were observed along a rock ledge habitat. There were few mobile invertebrates recorded during 

the dive; these included Bathynectes longispina and pencil urchins. Sessile invertebrates were diverse and the 

dominant life form observed. The most common attached fauna were Lophelia pertusa, Corallium, Enallopsammia, 

Keratoisis, primnoids, solitary cup corals, hexactinellid sponges, and encrusting sponges. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Fauna 

31o 44.088' N, 78o 48.012' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.040' N, 78o 48.114' W

Image D: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

31o 44.094' N, 78o 47.880' W

101
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4370 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers P Harris (bow), C Livingston (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No audio associated with the video

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Islands in the Stream 2001

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.106' N, 78o 47.838' W 28-Sep-01

571

484

16:01

18:36

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1

31° 43.839'

78° 47.950'

31° 44.381'

78° 47.581'

102
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4370 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a gradually sloping mixed habitat area that transitioned to rock ledge with attached fauna. The 

majority of the ledges were low-relief and graded into pavement areas covered in a thin veneer of sediment. Beyond 

this rocky habitat was a large area of soft sediment habitat of thick, coarse sand. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs without time overlay or audio track. Correlations between video time and real 

time were made based on depth information. Much of the transect data were either underlit or filmed out of focus; 

however, there is good footage of several fish species. The sub also spent a lot of time hovering several feet off of the 

bottom, which often made habitat classifications difficult.

A large number of fish were seen during this dive, however, the majority of the species observed were represented by 

one or two individuals, such as Synagrops sp., Helicolenus dactylopterus and Conger oceanicus. In contrast, 

Laemonema melanurum were seen throughout the dive in high numbers. Mobile invertebrates were not common and 

were represented by Eumunida picta, Bathynectes longispina, spiny urchins and a sea star. Sessile invertebrates 

varied during the course of this dive. The beginning of the dive had a low-relief community of Stylaster, Lophelia 

pertusa, primnoids, solitary cup corals, small hexactinellid sponges and other encrusting species. In contrast, the 

mixed community found near the end of the dive was dominated by moderate-relief Paramuricea and Swiftia

gorgonians, along with Leiopathes and Keratoisis. The understory was primarily hydrozoans, primnoids, solitary cup 

corals, and small sponges.

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

 31o 43.872' N, 78o 47.892' W

Image C: Pavement-Fauna 

31o 44.088' N, 78o 47.766' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.280' N, 78o 47.736' W

103
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3406 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers EL Werner (bow), SE Stancyk (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 42.066' N, 78o 48.696' W 03-Aug-03

564

552

16:28

18:09

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 42.120'

78° 48.510'

31° 42.036'

78° 48.771'

104
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3406 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive was attempted on the north face of the Wreckfish Scarp, but strong currents displaced the sub to the north, 

over flat bottom. The portion of this dive that was video taped took place over relatively flat terrain with a mixture of 

sand/rubble/rock habitat with attached fauna and mixed habitat. The mixed habitat areas were typically low-relief and 

made up of small hard corals, assorted sponges and a few soft corals. The underlying substrate was hardpan rock 

with a thin veneer of sediment. The other habitat encountered was marked for deeper sediment and a reduced 

macrofaunal community.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs, however, the first DV contains only 5 minutes of footage, which was filmed 

during the descent. The second DV begins an hour later. There is no time overlay on this video and no CTD overlay 

for the first 10 minutes. The overall quality of the footage is fair-to-mediocre. Most of the transect video was poorly lit 

and a good deal of the close footage was slightly out of focus. The inner lens of the camera was clouded over at the 

center of the viewing field. This second DV had only 40 minutes of footage. Fishes, crustaceans, sponges and 

sediment were collected.

Very few fishes or mobile invertebrates were captured in the footage for this dive. These included Chlorophthalmus 

agassizi, Fenestraja plutonia and Laemonema melanurum, as well a several pencil urchins. The sessile community, 

however, was quite diverse. Hard corals were represented by Lophelia pertusa, Stylaster and Enallopsammia. Small 

Keratoisis isidids were common as well as encrusting sponges and larger hexactinellid sponges. Ascidians were seen 

in high numbers near the end of the dive.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Fauna 

31o 42.108' N, 78o 48.684' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 42.018' N, 78o 48.738' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 42.042' N, 78o 48.792' W

105
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3408 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers D Wyanski (bow), P Weinbach (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 0

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Barren 

31o 44.154' N, 78o 48.210' W 06-Aug-03

571

490

8:52

11:17

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0

31° 44.178'

78° 48.177'

31° 43.848'

78° 48.360'

106
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3408 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The dive began along a multi-tiered rocky bluff along a 20-30o slope covered in small corals and sponges. The slope 

rapidly increased to ~70o with a heavy sediment layer and diverse macrofaunal cover. The central focus of the dive 

was a large (>60 m), rocky wall that included both barren rock ledges and ledges with large amounts of attached 

anemones and bamboo corals. The summit of this wall was a large flat plain of thin sediment over a hard bottom with 

a large diversity of attached macrofauna. Rocks collected during this dive included foraminiferan limestone and 

calcareous mudstone found in an interbedded sequence. This area had "stairstep" relief of about 20 m. The 

mudstone exhibited greater erosion in situ and was very chalky to the touch. The result was a terraced, step-like 

sequence of alternating calcareous mudstones (the eroded terraces) and foraminiferan limestone steps (named 

"Neptune's Staircase" by the investigators).

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs. There was no time overlay for this video so the audio commentary was used 

to correlate video time to real time. The first 30 minutes and last 10 minutes of the footage are spent in 

descent/ascent. The overall quality of the video was fair-to-good, though many of the transects were underlit. There 

is excellent footage of a large rocky outcrop and the associated fauna. There was a blurred spot at the center of the 

frame that caused some scenes to look out of focus. 

Very few fish or mobile invertebrates were observed during the course of this dive. Beryx decadactylus, Cirrhigaleus 

asper and Helicolenus dactylopterus were the only fishes observed on tape. However, the audio commentary made 

note of a number of species that were never captured on film, such as Polyprion americanus, unidentified Macrouridae 

and Laemonema spp. The only mobile invertebrate observed on film was a single Eumunida picta, though another 

was noted on the audio track. Sessile invertebrates were very common and highly diverse. Hard corals were plentiful, 

though very small, and included Stylaster, Enallopsammia and Lophelia pertusa. Octocorals were represented by 

abundant Keratoisis bamboo corals and a few Paramuricea. A single large Leiopathes black coral was observed 

clinging to a rock ledge. Sponge density was highest near the end of the dive and was dominated by large fanlike 

varieties and other encrusting species. Venus flytrap anemones were also common along the rock ledge environment.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.184' N, 78o 48.216' W

Image C: Rock Ledge Fauna 

31o 44.100' N, 78o 48.294' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.094' N, 78o 48.330' W

107
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3409 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers D Hooker (bow), R Styles (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.196' N, 78o 48.450' W 06-Aug-03

573

528

16:35

19:00

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0

31° 44.256'

78° 48.411'

31° 44.136'

78° 48.520'

108
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3409 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began over a sandy, gently sloped bottom that gradually increased to ~40o. The slope was covered in thick 

sediment and dense sessile invertebrates. This habitat gave way to a rock ledge area that was dominated by a single 

enormous boulder several meters tall. The surrounding rock ledge habitat was of relatively low-relief. The dive was 

concluded over an area that alternated between pavement and rock ledge habitat with and without attached fauna.

Rocks collected during this dive included foraminiferan limestone and calcareous mudstone found in an interbedded 

sequence.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. There was no time overlay for this footage, so correlations between video time 

and real time were made using the audio commentary. Additionally, there was no dive track recorded for the last 30 

minutes for the second DV or all of the third DV. The overall quality of the video was fair, with the majority of the 

transect footage being underlit. Both the descent and ascent were filmed in entirety. Sponges, coral, sea urchins, 

tunicates, rocks and sediment were collected.

There were very few fish observed during the course of this dive, and those observed were represented by single 

individuals. These included Nezumia sp., Laemonema melanurum and Helicolenus dactylopterus. Similarly, there 

were few mobile invertebrates observed. These included Chaceon, Bathynectes longispina and pencil urchins. There 

was, however, a high diversity of sessile invertebrates throughout the area. The most common of these were Lophelia

pertusa, Enallopsammia, Stylaster, primnoids, hexactinellid and encrusting sponges. Rock ledge areas also had an 

abundance of venus flytrap anemones and Keratoisis bamboo corals.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.226' N, 78o 48.432' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.172' N, 78o 48.486' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Barren 

31o 44.142' N, 78o 48.504' W

109
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3418 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump at a dive site called Neptune's Staircase.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers LR Sautter (bow), C Leverett (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Barren 

31o 44.208' N, 78o 48.384 W 13-Aug-03

584

504

8:39

10:41

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1

31° 44.268'

78° 48.363'

31° 44.124'

78° 48.470'

110
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3418 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks East

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place over a combination of habitat categories including rock ledge with and without fauna, mixed 

habitat and sand/rubble/rock with and without fauna. The central feature of this dive was a rock ledge area with both 

high and low-relief ledges. The surrounding area was typically flat or gently sloped with a dense community of sessile 

invertebrates. The underlying substrate was typically hardpan covered in a thin layer of sediment with a large number 

of manganese nodules scattered throughout. This site is just north of a high-relief (100 m) scarp. Rock samples 

indicated foraminiferan limestone and calcareous mudstone in an interbedded sequence, resulting in "stairstep" relief 

of about 20 m.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. There was no time overlay, so correlations between video time and real time 

were made using the audio commentary. The footage begins during the descent and includes the ascent as well. 

The first DV contains over 30 minutes of bottom footage before the initial bottom report was given. There was some 

very good footage of Polyprion americanus. A snail, crab, sea urchin, rocks and sediment were collected.

A variety of fish were observed during this dive, though they were few in number. The most common were Nezumia

sp. and Laemonema melanurum. Other noteworthy species included Conger oceanicus, Beryx decadactylus and 

Polyprion americanus. As with other dives in this area, mobile invertebrates were not common, but a variety were 

observed, such as Eumunida picta, Bathynectes longispina, Chaceon sp. as well as pencil and spiny urchins. The 

area was dominated by sessile invertebrates, particularly Stylaster, Lophelia pertusa, Enallopsammia, primnoids, 

Keratoisis sp., and encrusting sponges and hexactinellid sponges. There were also a number of venus flytrap 

anemones on rock ledges and occasional basket stars.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.214' N, 78o 48.378' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 44.196' N, 78o 48.420' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.178' N, 78o 48.438' W

111
Site Characterization Savannah Banks West

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 2 Depth Range (m): 497 to 541

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

12-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4687 HOV 8:32 10:13 31° 44.357' 79° 06.088' 31° 44.523' 79° 05.660'

12-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4688 HOV 16:27 18:00 31° 46.451' 79° 11.695' 31° 46.564' 79° 11.595'

112
Site Characterization Savannah Banks West

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR SW Ross, AM Quattrini DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

One of the first direct observations in this area came from 1967 submersible dives using the DSRV Alvin, and two dives 

confirmed that Enallopsammia (=Dendrophyllia) and Lophelia occurred in certain areas (Milliman et al. 1967). Reed 

(2002) and Reed et al. (2006) summarized data from this area. Ross et al conducted two dives in this area during 2004. 

These dives surveyed a depth range of 497-541 m and transected mostly rubble fields (heavily covered with sediment), 

mixed habitat communities, and hard coral areas. Mean temperatures ranged from 8.2-9.1 oC and salinities were around 

35. Strong bottom currents were observed during the dives.

Deep corals occurred in scattered patches and were often less developed compared to other sites. In most areas during 

the Savannah dives, solitary colonies, either standing thickets or small bushes, of Lophelia pertusa were sparse along 

the slope and crest of the mounds; and the Lophelia was mostly dead. More often observed were solitary colonies of 

Stylaster spp., that appeared to be evenly spaced on the crests of the mounds. Pseudodrifa spp. could also be found at 

the Savannah site. Other sessile invertebrates observed included crinoids, large white 'fan' sponges, and hexactinellid 

sponges.

Mobile invertebrates were very rare in the Savannah area. Few Bathynectes longispina, urchins, seastars, and 

galatheids were observed. Mostly, these were found in mixed habitats that had a higher percentage of attached 

invertebrates compared to other Savannah habitats surveyed. Abundant fishes included Laemonema melanurum, L. 

barbatulum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, and Squalus cubensis.

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.520' N, 79o 05.634' W *

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.538' N, 79o 05.670' W

Image C: Rubble 

31o 46.446' N, 79o 11.694' W *

113
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4687 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks West

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), K Cartwright (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.54' N, 79o 05.670' W

12-Jun-04

541

497

8:32

10:13

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

31° 44.357'

79° 06.088'

31° 44.523'

79° 05.660'

114
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4687 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks West

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The substrate in the beginning of the dive was mostly coarse sand with few scattered small rocks and rock rubble. 

Mostly, fauna was absent in this area, except for a few patches of large, white sponges. The submersible then 

approached a mixed transitional habitat, which climbed a steep (70-80o) slope. This habitat did not have much coral 

development, just a few small twigs of live Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia on a coral rubble covered bottom. 

Also present in this mixed habitat were an abundance of glass sponges. Near the top of the slope, the mixed habitat 

became denser with greater relief (~ 1m). Sponges and live coral were more common; however, there were no large 

coral mounds present. Strong currents were apparent throughout this dive. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Milliman et al. (1967)

Ayers and Pilkey (1981)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. The internal bow video was used throughout to 

supplement the external video when footage was too dark. The internal video was high quality.

Several fishes and invertebrates were observed during this dive. The most abundant fishes observed included 

Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Laemonema barbatulum, and Laemonema melanurum. Other species observed included 

Fenestraja plutonia, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Galatheids were uncommon in this area. 

Bathynectes were more common and were seen throughout the mixed habitat. Other invertebrates observed included 

pencil urchins and starfish. No invertebrates were on the sand/rock/rubble substrate in the beginning of the dive. 

Sponges, Lophelia pertusa, and Enallopsammia were common sessile invertebrates.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

31o 44.490' N, 79o 05.862' W

Image C: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

31o 44.508' N, 79o 05.742' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 44.520' N, 79o 05.634' W *

115
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4688 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks West

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), B Williams (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rubble 

31o 46.446' N, 79o 11.694' W * 12-Jun-04

532

505

16:27

18:00

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.9

31° 46.451'

79° 11.695'

31° 46.564'

79° 11.595'

116
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4688 STUDY AREA: Savannah Banks West

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

A strong current was evident on the bottom. Bottom slope was gradual (~20o). Habitats were patchy throughout this 

dive as substrate varied among coral rubble and hard corals with and without attached fauna. The coral rubble areas 

were generally covered with a layer of sediment, though a few solitary twigs of live hard corals, such as Stylaster and 

Lophelia pertusa, were present. Attached fauna also included crinoids and alcyonaceans. These rubble areas were 

interspersed with sand grooves. Hard coral areas were not extensive. Most of these areas were densely packed dead 

coral < 0.5 m in height, with sparse live L. pertusa.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Milliman et al. (1967)

Ayers and Pilkey (1981)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs, 1 HD and archived on 2 DVDs. Due to low lighting, the internal bow video was 

frequently used to help classify habitats and identify fauna. Additionally, there was no dive track associated with this 

dive so waypoints taken during the dive were used as spatial reference for habitats and images.

Very few fishes were seen on this dive. A few Squalus spp., Fenestraja plutonia, Laemonema melanurum, and

Nezumia sclerorhynchus were found throughout the transitional habitat. Additionally, few invertebrates such as brittle 

stars (under coral rubble), crinoids, alcyonaceans, sponges, and an octopus were observed.

Image B: Rubble 

31o 46.590' N, 79o 11.574' W

Image C: Rubble 

31o 46.554' N, 79o 11.598' W *

Image D: Rubble 

31o 46.560' N, 79o 11.592' W *

117
Site Characterization Charleston Bump

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 7 Depth Range (m): 513 to 608

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

11-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3414 HOV 11:42 12:38 31° 24.876' 78° 50.822' 31° 24.828' 78° 50.883'

11-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3415 HOV 16:58 18:11 31° 24.048' 78° 46.126' 31° 23.796' 78° 46.150'

12-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3416 HOV 8:32 10:30 31° 24.894' 78° 50.783' 31° 24.828' 78° 50.866'

12-Aug-03 GR Sedberry JSLII-3417 HOV 16:13 17:42 31° 24.066' 78° 46.029' 31° 23.952' 78° 46.157'

21-Aug-04 GR Sedberry JSLII-3460 HOV 14:35 14:55 31° 15.978' 78° 54.714' 31° 16.110' 78° 55.089'

22-Aug-04 GR Sedberry JSLII-3461 HOV 13:23 16:08 31° 15.522' 78° 56.357' 31° 13.806' 78° 55.056'

22-Aug-04 GR Sedberry JSLII-3462 HOV 8:38 11:09 31° 18.939' 78° 51.539' 31° 18.721' 78° 51.558'

118
Site Characterization Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR GR Sedberry DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

Submersible and sonar observations revealed a diversity of bottom types, from flat hard bottom to rugged relief and nearvertical scarps. Bottom topography ranged from few to over 100 m in relief. From the southern end of the survey area 

(about 31°15’N; near Dive Site 3461), the bottom sloped upward toward the north from depths of about 600 m. North of 

this area, from about 31°20’ to 31°25’ N, are a series of ridges with depths shoaling to ~510 m on top of the ridges and 

550 m in the valleys between ridges (Dive Sites 3415-3417). These ridges were important wreckfish (Polyprion

americanus) and red bream (Beryx decadactylus) habitat. To the north of the ridges, the bottom was relatively smooth 

and sloped gradually upward to rough bottom at the top of a system of scarps. The southern edge of this relatively flat 

area contained some high-relief bottom and wreckfish habitat. In flat areas, moras (Moridae) and grenadiers 

(Macrouridae) were found. Individual moras and grenadiers were often associated with small corals (Lophelia and

Stylaster) that grew in evenly spaced clumps on the hard pavement. Demersal anglerfishes (Chaunacidae) were also 

found in this habitat. Skates were occasionally observed. Also recorded were red bream on the southern series of 

ridges (Dives 3414-3417). They, like wreckfish, were associated with high-relief rocky bottom and overhangs.

Rock samples obtained during dives on the Charleston Bump indicated that there are at least three distinct rock types 

forming the sea floor in the Charleston Bump area. These included manganese-phosphorite pavement and nodules, 

foraminiferan limestone and calcareous mudstone. The mudstone exhibited greater erosion in situ and was very chalky 

to the touch. The foraminiferan limestone was more resistant to the erosive forces of the strong bottom currents and 

produced overhangs and steeper-faced slopes where exposed. The result was a terraced, step-like sequence of 

alternating calcareous mudstones (the eroded terraces) and foraminiferan limestones (much like the 'stairs' at "Neptune's 

Staircase"). Sessile benthic organisms appeared to prefer the foraminiferan limestone as their anchoring substrate as 

they were found in abundance in places where limestone occurred. Few, if any, organisms were observed attached to 

the mudstone, perhaps because of its low resistance to erosion. Manganese-phosphorite was found on most Charleston 

Bump dives, as broken pavement or scattered rubble, some of which was nodular in form. The manganese-phosphorite 

rocks appeared to have a different group of organisms inhabiting their surface, and densities were lower than on the 

limestone, although this has not yet been quantified. Only a few solitary anemones, sponges, ascidians and stony corals 

were encountered on collected rock specimens. 

In some places, the rocks formed nearly vertical cliffs with alternating layers of the two carbonate rocks (Dive 3461). 

Between these steep areas were narrow terraces, creating a stairway to depths well below 550 m. Overhanging ledges 

occurred at some intervals, and corals, anemones, and sponges grew on the protected underside of these overhangs. 

Near the center of this site (Dives 3414, 3416) there appeared to be large slabs of the foraminiferan limestone with highdensity populations of corals and other invertebrates. Some of these slabs provided large overhanging sheltered 

habitats. A school of large red bream and wreckfish were observed under one long slab. Sediment samples were also 

collected on all dives. These samples were all very low in volume, as there was only a thin veneer of sediment available 

for sampling.

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.870' N, 78o 50.838' W

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

31o 13.806' N, 78o 55.056' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 18.816' N, 78o 51.636' W

119
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3414 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features in the southern part of 

the Charleston Bump, in an area called Slab 

Garden.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers EL Werner (bow), LR Sautter (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Experiments deployed and retrieved on dive 3416

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.810' N, 78o 50.886' W 11-Aug-03

545

532

11:42

12:38

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 24.876'

78° 50.822'

31° 24.828'

78° 50.883'

120
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3414 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The dive began with the sub transecting over rock ledge habitat of low-to-moderate relief covered in dense 

macrofauna. The dive continued over a jagged rocky bottom that progressed from a thin veneer of sediment to deeper 

swales of sediment between features. The terminus of the dive covered a high-relief rock ledge habitat with numerous 

fishes and dense macrofauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on one mini DV. There was no time overlay so the audio commentary was used to correlate 

video time with real time. There was a large amount of footage of gear deployment and sample collections. The last 

15-20 minutes of footage was excellent footage of both Beryx decadactylus and Polyprion americanus. 

Few fish or mobile invertebrates were observed during the majority of this short dive, though several Beryx 

decadactylus were observed at the end of the dive along with a Polyprion americanus and numerous Eumunida picta. 

The sessile invertebrate community was both dense and diverse. The dominant species varied throughout the dive; 

however, certain groups were prevalent throughout such as isidids, primnoids, ascidians, hydroids and a wide array of 

sponges, hexactinellids and demosponges. Hard corals were represented by Lophelia pertusa, Stylaster and

Enallopsammia and were found in greatest numbers in rock ledge habitat that had increased sediment and lower relief. 

Some antipatharians were present in high numbers for a portion of the dive.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.852' N, 78o 50.826' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.864' N, 78o 50.826' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.834' N, 78o 50.850' W

121
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3415 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers SE Stancyk (bow), J McClelland (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.826' N, 78o 46.158' W 11-Aug-03

570

520

16:58

18:11

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.1

31° 24.048'

78° 46.126'

31° 23.796'

78° 46.150'

122
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3415 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Dive begins at the base of a moderate slope (~30o) in a hardbottom habitat covered in coarse sand and fine coral 

rubble. There were few macrofauna present other than scattered stony corals until the sub approached an upslope 

mixed habitat area. This mixed habitat area, dominated by low relief Lophelia, Enallopsammia, Stylaster and

hexactinellids, was more depauperate than others encountered in this region. The dive progressed upslope 

encountering a range of habitats that were subtly differentiated by dominance of fauna and relief of rocky features, 

before reaching the top of the ridge. This region was predominantly rock ledge habitat with attached fauna. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs. There was no time or CTD overlay on this video so the audio commentary was 

used to correlate video time and real time. The overall quality of this footage was poor as the majority of it was filmed 

out of focus. The inner lens of the camera was cloudy which obscured the center of the view. A sponge, coral, rock 

and sediment were collected. Carrion traps deployed on this dive were retrieved on Dive 3417.

Very few fishes were observed on the video for this dive. Those identified included Laemonema barbatulum and L.

melanurum. Mobile invertebrates were also uncommon though several shrimp were seen in one area along with sea 

stars and an unidentified galatheid crab. The macrofaunal community was also depauperate, though this may be to 

the poor quality of the video that prohibited clear views of the bottom. The dominant macrofauna were small stony 

corals, such as Stylaster, as well as small growths of Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia along with various 

hexactinellid sponges.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Fauna 

31o 24.036' N, 78o 46.128' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.976' N, 78o 46.164' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 23.850' N, 78o 46.170' W

123
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3416 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of a southern part of 

the Charleston Bump, in an area called "Slab 

Garden".

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers R Styles (bow), D Hooker (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Retrieved experiments deployed during dive 3414

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.876' N, 78o 50.826' W 12-Aug-03

555

540

8:32

10:30

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 24.894'

78° 50.783'

31° 24.828'

78° 50.866'

124
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3416 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began at the base of a gradually sloping (20-30o) rock slab habitat. There were a couple of places that the 

rock slabs gave way to low-relief mixed habitat and sand/rubble/rock habitat, but generally the area could be described 

as moderate-relief rock ledge habitat with varying degrees of attached macrofauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs of mediocre quality. The first DV began during the descent and then jumped to 

the bottom. Transects alternated between close up and wide angle views, often out of focus. A large amount of time 

was spent filming gear retrieval. Sediment, rocks, shrimp and crabs were collected. Experiments deployed on dive 

JSLII-3414 were recovered on this dive.

Few fish were filmed during the course of this dive. Those observed included Polyprion americanus, Beryx 

decadactylus and Conger oceanicus. Mobile invertebrates were most common near the sites of gear retrieval and 

included Bathynectes longispina, numerous unidentified red shrimps, brittle stars, sea stars and pencil urchins. The 

macrofaunal community was relatively consistent throughout the dive and included primnoids, hexactinellids, small 

Enallopsammia, Stylaster with occasional antipatharians, Paragorgia and large ascidians. 

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.894' N, 78o 50.790' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.870' N, 78o 50.838' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 24.870' N, 78o 50.838' W

125
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3417 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Loefer (bow), F Andrus (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.988' N, 78o 46.146' W 12-Aug-03

571

564

16:13

17:42

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 24.066'

78° 46.029'

31° 23.952'

78° 46.157'

126
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3417 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place in an area of commercial fisheries for wreckfish, which is characterized by a series of ridges and 

steep scarps. The dive began over a low sloping mixed habitat region with coarse sediments and scattered sponges 

and hard corals. The dive progressed up a 20-30o slope into a rock ledge habitat with attached fauna. This rocky 

habitat was typically low-relief (<1m) and was situated at the base of a larger slope that was explored during dive 

JSLII-3415.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs. The video began during the descent and quickly changed scenes to the 

bottom with no digital overlay. For the remainder of the dive the overlay was turned on and off. Additionally the video 

feed frequently cut out and the footage was typically too dark and out of focus for clear habitat descriptions. There 

was no CTD data recorded for the last 18 minutes of bottom time. Coral, seastar, snail, shrimp, crab, fishes and 

sediment were collected.

There were few fishes observed during the course of this dive. Those recorded included Squalus cubensis, 

Laemonema melanurum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Chaunax spp. Mobile invertebrates included multiple shrimp, 

Bathynectes longispina, seastars, and a small snail. The macrofaunal community varied between areas and was often 

difficult to identify due to poor lighting and focus. However, numerous Stylaster, isidids, small colonies of Lophelia

pertusa, Enallopsammia, cup corals, hexactinellids and fanlike sponges were seen in both mixed and rock ledge 

habitats.

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

31o 24.042' N, 78o 46.074' W

Image C: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

31o 23.970' N, 78o 46.176' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.940' N, 78o 46.170' W

127
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3460 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To investigate cliff and associated sponges 

reported by Popenoe and Manheim (2001).

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers GR Sedberry (bow), C Ralph (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Dive aborted due to nav errors. Sediment 

sampled.

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Fauna 

31o 15.168' N, 78o 55.920' W* 21-Aug-04

608

606

14:35

14:55

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 15.978'

78° 54.714'

31° 16.110'

78° 55.089'

128
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3460 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The physical habitat consisted of a relatively flat terrain made up of hard-pan with a thin veneer of sandy sediments.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on one mini DV with about 20 minutes of footage. The dive was aborted due to a failure with 

the tracking system so available positions may be inaccurate. The video footage quality was reduced by frequent 

cutting in and out and condensation on the inner camera lens. Also, the CTD/Time display was set outside the frame 

of a standard television and readable only on a computer.

Due to the short time spent on the bottom during this dive, very few mobile organisms were observed. These included 

a squalid shark and a number of brittle stars. The sessile community was made up of primnoid corals, Leiopathes

black coral, multiple sponges and a group of stalked crinoids. Laemonema sp. and Polymixia sp. were observed by 

science divers though were not captured on video.

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The physical habitat consisted of a relatively flat terrain made up of hard-pan with a thin veneer of sandy sediments.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on one mini DV with about 20 minutes of footage. The dive was aborted due to a failure with 

the tracking system so available positions may be inaccurate. The video footage quality was reduced by frequent 

cutting in and out and condensation on the inner camera lens. Also, the CTD/Time display was set outside the frame 

of a standard television and readable only on a computer.

Due to the short time spent on the bottom during this dive, very few mobile organisms were observed. These included 

a squalid shark and a number of brittle stars. The sessile community was made up of primnoid corals, Leiopathes

black coral, multiple sponges and a group of stalked crinoids. Laemonema sp. and Polymixia sp. were observed by 

science divers though were not captured on video.

129
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3461 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose To investigate a sponge-lined cliff reported by 

Popenone and Manheim (2001).

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers LR Sautter (bow), S Griffin (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 13.806' N, 78o 55.056' W 22-Aug-04

581

513

13:23

16:08

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

31° 15.522'

78° 56.357'

31° 13.806'

78° 55.056'

130
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3461 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began in a dense, low-relief (<1m) mixed habitat community covered in a combination of coral rubble and fine 

sediments. Initial rock ledge habitats encountered were made up of low-relief, large managenese slabs which gave 

way to a towering wall. The entire wall was covered in a dense community of sponges and soft corals. The top of the 

wall was a flat, mixed habitat plateau with a combination of oxidized sediments, hard-pan rock and manganese slabs.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. While the water-quality was excellent, most of the footage was underlit, 

making identifications of macrofauna difficult. The CTD data overlay was incorrect throughout the dive, though the 

data collected was correct. There was also condensation on the inner camera lens that often blurred and obscured 

portions of the view. Sediment, rocks, a sponge and crinoids were collected.

Numerous fishes were observed during the course of this dive including Laemonema melanurum, Nezumia

sclerorhynchus, Polyprion americanus, Squalus spp. and Scyliorhinus retifer. Mobile invertebrates were less common. 

These included pencil urchins, spiny orange urchins, sea stars, a slip shell and an octopus. The sessile invertebrate 

community was both diverse and densely populated. Hard and soft corals, such as Stylaster, cup corals, primnoids, 

whip corals and isidids dominated most of the area. A variety of sponges and anemones were abundant. A large 

black coral completely covered in colonial anthozoans was also observed.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 15.390' N, 78o 56.316' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 15.426' N, 78o 56.244' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 15.078' N, 78o 55.098' W

131
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3462 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 Purpose Explore Wreckfish Cave on the Charleston 

Bump. Caves and wreckfish had been previously 

reported by Popenoe and Manheim (2001).

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers R King (bow), C Fiore (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 12/19/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 18.816' N, 78o 51.636' W 22-Aug-04

552

523

8:38

11:09

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 18.939'

78° 51.539'

31° 18.721'

78° 51.558'

132
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3462 STUDY AREA: Charleston Bump

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The dive began over a mixed habitat area with a mixture of hard-pan bottom and sandy sediments giving way to a 

rough, broken rock ledge habitat covered in small hard corals and sponges. Large sand dunes, lined with chunks of 

rubble and manganese slabs, led to the base of an enormous rock feature. This wall was almost barren of fauna along 

its face and completely covered in fauna along its uppermost ledge. In a number of places, the face of the wall was 

broken into deep caverns and crevices. The plateau of the feature was mostly mixed habitat covering a hard-pan, 

rocky area with a thin veneer of sediment.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001) 

Sedberry (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded onto one DV, which excludes approximately 90 minutes of the dive. Though the footage was 

quite grainy and a little underlit there is excellent footage of a large limestone wall. 

There were a variety of fishes observed during this dive, though all were seen in low numbers. These included 

Helicolenus dactylopterus, Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum and Polyprion americanus. All of these fishes were 

seen in rock ledge habitats. There were fewer mobile marine invertebrates such as squid, large red shrimp and sea 

stars. The sessile invertebrates were diverse and patchy throughout the dive. Mixed habitat areas and the plateau 

above the large wall were covered in small stony corals, a variety of sponges, hydroids, fly trap anemones, primnoids, 

small isidid bamboo corals and occasional Leiopathes and Paramuricea corals. Other rock ledge habitats were 

predominantly small stony corals with a few sponges. 

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 18.912' N, 78o 51.564' W

Image C: Soft Substrate 

31o 18.822' N, 78o 51.654' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 18.852' N, 78o 51.666' W

133
Site Characterization Jacksonville

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 6 Depth Range (m): 543 to 674

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

10-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4683 HOV 8:32 10:55 30° 31.047' 79° 39.621' 30° 30.974' 79° 39.725'

10-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4684 HOV 16:37 18:43 30° 30.939' 79° 39.621' 30° 30.842' 79° 39.624'

11-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4685 HOV 8:45 11:00 30° 48.811' 79° 37.809' 30° 48.696' 79° 37.934'

11-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4686 HOV 17:02 18:55 30° 30.132' 79° 39.087' 30° 30.098' 79° 39.184'

19-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4700 HOV 9:37 11:07 30° 30.756' 79° 39.679' 30° 30.847' 79° 39.603'

19-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4701 HOV 17:04 18:43 30° 28.944' 79° 38.500' 30° 28.933' 79° 38.379'

134
Site Characterization Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR AM Quattrini, ML Partyka DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

Paull et al. (2000) surveyed deep coral habitats off the Florida-Georgia border and suggested that such habitat was very 

common. Dating indicated that some mounds may range from 18,000 to 33,000 years old (Paull et al. 2000). Additional 

studies have indicated that topographic highs, most having corals, are very abundant from the Jacksonville area to just 

south of Cape Canaveral (see also Reed et al. 2005, 2006). 

Six JSL dives were completed by Ross et al. in 2004 in this area, with depths ranging from 543-674 m. Mean bottom 

temperatures ranged from 7.4-10.5 oC, and salinities were always around 35. Bottom types in this area exhibited high 

variability and diversity. Many sites surveyed in the Jacksonville area were composed of moderate profile rock ledges to 

which corals were attached, especially in the northern portion of this region. Substrata in other areas consisted of mixed 

coral and sponge communities, hard corals with varying amounts of attached fauna, or dead coral rubble. 

Faunal diversity was quite high in this region. A diverse assemblage of sessile invertebrates was observed throughout 

the area. Mobile invertebrates were common during some of the dives and virtually absent in others. The most 

common species were Eumunida picta, Chaceon sp., and Bathynectes longispina. The most abundant fishes were 

Laemonema melanurum, L. barbatulum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, andTrachyscorpia cristulata. These species were 

observed mostly in reef habitats that consisted of dense, mixed invertebrate communities or rock ledges with attached 

fauna.

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 30.750' N, 79o 39.696' W

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 48.755' N, 79o 37.944' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.935' N, 79o 39.740' W

135
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4683 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), E Baird (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 14

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

30o 31.046' N, 79o 39.646' W

10-Jun-04

581

543

8:32

10:55

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

30° 31.047'

79° 39.621'

30° 30.974'

79° 39.725'

136
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4683 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Three habitat types were observed on this dive. In the beginning of the dive, the habitat included a mixed community of 

abundant sulfur sponges, hexactinellid sponges, and L. pertusa on a rubble and sand covered bottom. A transitional 

area of rubble habitat was then traversed. Substrate was >75% rubble and included areas both with and without 

attached fauna (few soft corals and crinoids). One small area was dominated by hard coral (L. pertusa) with attached 

fauna. Mixed habitat was then seen on the remainder of the dive, and included mostly a prime reef area with an 

abundance of anemones, hexactinellid sponges, soft corals, and antipatharians. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 3 mini DVs and 1HD and archived on 3 DVDs. At times the transects were underlit and the 

close footage was out of focus. The color balance was also off, giving a very green/yellow cast to the video. 

Relatively few fishes were documented during this dive, and those seen were typically in low numbers. The exception 

to this was Nezumia sclerorhynchus, which was common. Other observed species included Laemonema melanurum, 

L. barbatulum, Trachyscorpia cristulata, and notably an Odontaspis ferox. Mobile invertebrates were limited to an 

abundance of galatheoid crabs on the reef. Sessile invertebrates were more diverse with a number of anemones, 

hexactinellid and sulfur sponges, antipatharians, isidids and small growths of Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Rubble 

30o 31.026' N, 79o 39.646' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.935' N, 79o 39.740' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.935' N, 79o 39.740' W

137
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4684 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), SW Ross (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 30.803' N, 79o 39.741' W

10-Jun-04

571

548

16:37

18:43

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

30° 30.939'

79° 39.621'

30° 30.842'

79° 39.624'

138
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4684 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Habitats observed during this dive were diverse and patchy. Four main habitat types were observed: rubble, mixed, 

hard coral, and rock ledge. All substrata included varying degrees of attached fauna. Coral rubble areas had few 

antipatharians attached. Mixed habitat was a rubble substrate with an abundant coverage of attached fauna, including 

a diversity of antipatharians, sponges, live L. pertusa, and Madrepora. Large broken slabs of rock with many crevices 

and burrows were observed. Attached to these ledges were large "coral trees" (antipatharians and isidids) and a few 

sponges. Hard coral areas were dominated mostly by dead coral with attached fauna. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs, 1 HD and archived on 2 DVDs. The color balance was off for the majority of 

the dive, causing a green/yellow cast to the video. A number of the transects were filmed very closely or were underlit 

preventing habitat classification in some areas.

Few fish species were seen during this dive. Those observed included Laemonema melanurum, Trachyscorpia

cristulata, L. barbatulum, and Nezumia sclerorhynchus, which was the most common. Eumunida picta were abundant 

and observed on dead branches of Lophelia pertusa and L. pertusa rubble. Few other mobile invertebrates were 

observed. Sessile invertebrates were diverse, and included antipatharians, isidids, anemones, starburst corals, 

sponges, L. pertusa, Madrepora, and Stylaster.

Image B: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.947' N, 79o 39.614' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

30o 30.808' N, 79o 39.760' W *

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.955' N, 79o 39.641' W

139
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4685 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), C Morrison (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 48.730' N, 79o 37.922' W

11-Jun-04

652

626

8:45

11:00

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.2

30° 48.811'

79° 37.809'

30° 48.696'

79° 37.934'

140
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4685 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive started off reef over a sand/coral rubble bottom with no attached fauna. A transitional area was then 

encountered, which included patches of various habitats, such as rubble, sand/coral rubble with attached fauna, and 

rock ledges with attached fauna. The majority of the dive was spent on rugged, rock ledges with barren and attached 

fauna areas. Rock ledges were covered with sand and coral rubble, and the attached fauna was confined mostly to the 

tops of ledges. Attached fauna included abundant antipatharians and isidids and sparse living L. pertusa.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs and saved to 3 DVDs for archiving. There was some interference with the 

video feed that caused fuzziness to the footage.

Several fish species were observed during this dive, including Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Synaphobranchus spp., 

Trachyscorpia cristulata, Hoplostethus occidentalis, and Laemonema melanurum. Also, a chimaerid and Dibranchus

atlanticus were observed on sand/rubble bottom. Mobile invertebrates observed during this dive included Chaceon

crabs, unidentified shrimps, and galatheoids. Sessile invertebrates included antipatharians, crinoids, isidids, and 

Lophelia pertusa.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 48.755' N, 79o 37.944' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 48.756' N, 79o 37.926' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Barren 

30o 48.738' N, 79o 37.944' W 

141
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4686 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers E Baird (bow), A Brooks (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

30o 30.084' N, 79o 39.216' W

11-Jun-04

638

591

17:02

18:55

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.8

30° 30.132'

79° 39.087'

30° 30.098'

79° 39.184'

142
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4686 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began on a large slope of prime reef habitat dominated by hard corals. This area was composed of a thick 

matrix of dead Lophelia pertusa with relief <2m. Live hard corals were also present and included ~30% live L. pertusa

and Madrepora oculata. Associated with the hard corals was a diversity of attached fauna, such as anemones, 

antipatharians, and hexactinellid sponges. A coral rubble zone with little to no attached fauna (glass sponges) 

connected the hard coral habitat with a prime-reef rock ledge area. Rock ledges had attached fauna, including large 

antipatharians and isidids; however, fauna was less extensive than the hard coral area. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. The internal bow video was used for 

classification and fish identification when the external video was too dark. 

Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Laemonema melanurum were the two most common fish species observed during this 

dive. Of mobile invertebrates, Eumunida picta was fairly abundant. Other mobile invertebrates seen included pancake 

urchins, Bathynectes sp., and Chaceon sp. Sessile invertebrates were abundant and included a diversity of 

hexactinellid sponges, scleractinian corals, anemones, crinoids, antipatharians, and isidids. 

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

30o 30.120' N, 79o 39.126' W

Image C: Rubble 

30o 30.090' N, 79o 39.204' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 30.084' N. 79o 39.216' W

143
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4700 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers M Nizinski (bow), K Cartwright (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 1 mini DV, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 30.750' N, 79o 39.696' W

19-Jun-04

568

558

9:37

11:07

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

30° 30.756'

79° 39.679'

30° 30.847'

79° 39.603'

144
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4700 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Four distinct habitat types were observed during this dive: rubble, mixed, rock ledge with attached fauna and rock ledge 

without attached fauna. The areas containing coral rubble were found predominantly at the base of the slope over 

which the dive took place. While some stretches of coral rubble were completely devoid of attached fauna, others had 

scattered hydroids, small sponges and occasional pieces of live L. pertusa. Complex communities of hexactinellid 

sponges, hydroids, isidids, antipatharians, Madrepora, Stylaster, L. pertusa, and other unidentified corals were 

common in mixed habitat areas. The majority of the dive took place over rock ledge habitat with and without attached 

fauna. The attached fauna found along the rock ledges ranged from large antipatharians and isidids to dense 

assemblages of small sponges, hydroids, small isidids, and growths of L. pertusa.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on a combination of mini DV and HD video. The first half of the dive was only recorded on HD 

video and does not have a time/CTD overlay. 

Fish species seen during this dive included Laemonema melanurum, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Trachyscorpia 

cristulata, and Sternoptyx sp. Nezumia sclerorhynchus and L. melanurum were the most common though still 

relatively rare. Eumunida picta were common and observed on dead Lophelia pertusa and coral rubble. Other mobile 

invertebrates observed included Bathynectes longispina and Chaceon sp. Sessile invertebrates were diverse, and 

included antipatharians, isidids, anemones, starburst corals, sponges, and small patches of L. pertusa, Madrepora, 

and Stylaster.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 30.750' N, 79o 39.666' W

Image C: Rubble 

30o 30.762' N, 79o 39.684' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

30o 30.798' N, 79o 39.612' W *

145
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4701 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Potter (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 0

 Digital Still Photos 10

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Training dive, hard copy stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Necaise, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

30o 28.944' N, 79o 38.496' W * 19-Jun-04

674

645

17:04

18:43

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

30° 28.944'

79° 38.500'

30° 28.933'

79° 38.379'

146
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4701 STUDY AREA: Jacksonville

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place over a relatively steep, 50-60°, slope. Two major habitat categories were observed, rubble and 

hard coral. The areas of hard coral habitat could be further differentiated into areas with attached fauna and areas 

without attached fauna. The areas of hard coral without attached fauna tended to have a lower abundance of live L. 

pertusa (<25%) and a higher occurrence of large pieces of cemented coral rubble. The areas that contained a large 

percentage of live L. pertusa were of high relief (>1m) and tended to have numerous attached fauna, including 

anemones, hydroids, sponges, and small isidids. The rubble habitat, with few attached fauna, was primarily restricted 

to the base of the slope. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Ayers and Pilkey (1981) Ross and Nizinski (in press)

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991) Williams et al. (in press)

Paull et al. (2000)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Williams et al. (2006)

Reed et al. (2006)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. There was no time overlay during this dive. 

At times there was some video feed interference. A large number of collections took place during the dive so the sub 

was stationary most of the time.

Few species of fishes were observed during this dive, and were represented by very few individuals. The most 

common species was Nezumia sclerorhynchus. Other species included single individuals of Dactylobatus armatus

(Image C), Synaphobranchus spp., and Laemonema melanurum. Mobile invertebrates included Eumunida picta,

Chaceon spp., Bathynectes longispina, brittle stars, spiny and pencil urchins. The dominant coral in the area was 

Lophelia pertusa, though small isidids and Madrepora were also observed. Other sessile invertebrates included 

hexactinellid sponges, large venus flytrap anemones, hydroids and solitary cup corals. 

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

30o 28.962' N, 79o 38.496' W

Image C: Rubble 

30o 28.938' N, 79o 38.400' W

Image D: Rubble 

30o 28.914' N, 79o 38.394' W

147
Site Characterization Cape Canaveral North

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 4 Depth Range (m): 709 to 783

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

09-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4681 HOV 9:10 11:12 28° 47.546' 79° 37.191' 28° 47.600' 79° 37.311'

09-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4682 HOV 17:06 19:08 28° 47.756' 79° 37.304' 28° 47.749' 79° 37.240'

20-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4702 HOV 8:38 10:42 28° 47.699' 79° 37.398' 28° 47.605' 79° 37.380'

20-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4703 HOV 17:08 18:52 28° 46.621' 79° 36.957' 28° 46.622' 79° 36.958'

148
Site Characterization Cape Canaveral North

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR ML Partyka, AM Quattrini DATE COMPILED 19-Dec-06

The reefs in the Cape Canaveral area (North and South) are sediment mounds, with Lophelia pertusa growth at the 

crests and varying degrees of rubble and encrusted sand on the slopes and surrounding bases. These Lophelia mounds

were first documented in 1982 by a CORD ROV dive, and later several mounds in the area were mapped and surveyed 

(Reed 2002, Reed et al. 2006, Ross et al. unpubl. data). Lophelia reefs in the Canaveral area are some of the deepest 

reported along the southeastern United States (from Florida to North Carolina) and are the deepest surveyed in the 

present study. Besides Lophelia, other hard corals including Enallopsammia profunda, Madrepora oculata, and 

stylasterines have been reported from the Canaveral area (Reed et al. 2006).

The target for the dives in the Canaveral North area was a series of moderately sized mounds (20-60 m) approximately 

50 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, FL. Ross et al. conducted four dives (4681, 4682, 4702, 4703) at this site in 

2004 with a depth range of 709-783 m. While the majority of these dives reached the crests of these mounds, dive 4682 

took place entirely at the base of one feature. Mean bottom temperatures were 6.6-6.8 oC, and mean salinities were 

34.9.

Hard coral with and without fauna were the dominant habitats in this area. Small coral features were scattered across 

mounds ~60 m in relief. The bases of these mounds were surrounded by coral rubble and combinations of crusty sand, 

rubble and rock. The majority of coral encountered was dead Lophelia pertusa, though during dive 4702 a lush area of 

living coral was observed.

Species composition of both fishes and mobile invertebrates was fairly consistent across each of the four dives 

conducted at this site, but the fish fauna appeared to be depauperate compared to the northern study areas. 

Synaphobranchus spp. was the most common species followed by Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Fenestraja plutonia. All 

three of these fishes were most common off the prime reef area in rubble/sand areas. Other species less frequently 

observed included Trachyscorpia cristulata and Laemonema melanurum. A number of species of galatheid crabs were 

observed during dive 4702 in areas of healthy coral growth. Otherwise mobile invertebrates were limited to pancake 

urchins and Echinus tylodes. Sessile invertebrates were diverse and abundant throughout this area. Crinoids and 

antipatharians were seen frequently in rubble habitat. Various corals such as alcyonaceans, antipatharians and 

Madrepora oculata were found in association with living and dead stands of Lophelia, along with hexactinellid sponges, 

primnoids and a variety of hydroids.

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.682' N, 79o 37.404' W *

Image B: Hard Coral 

28o 47.670' N, 79o 37.398' W

Image C: Rubble 

28o 46.614' N, 79o 36.972' W

149
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4681 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), KJ Sulak (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.624' N, 79o 37.298' W

09-Jun-04

783

709

9:10

11:12

3

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

28° 47.546'

79° 37.191'

28° 47.600'

79° 37.311'

150
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4681 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The habitats observed during this dive were generally of three types: 1) primarily low relief area with a combination of 

fine rubble and 'crunchy' sediment layers, 2) small patches of live and dead hard corals, primarily L. pertusa with 

attached soft corals and sponges, and 3) hard coral stands composed of >50% dead coral, often surrounded by large 

glass sponges.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and 1 HD and archived on 2 DVDs. Internal video footage from the bow was 

used to compensate for missing data during the last 30 minutes of the dive. The overall video quality was mediocreto-fair, owing largely to low lighting during transects and moderate marine snow.

Very few species of fish or invertebrates were seen during this dive. Synaphobranchus spp. dominated this area and 

was seen primarily over flat sediment/rubble habitat. Other species included Fenestraja plutonia, Nezumia 

sclerorhynchus, and Laemonema melanurum. There were a large number of sessile invertebrates in the area, such 

as anemones, hexactinellid sponges, antipatharians and Madrepora corals. No galatheid crabs were seen during this 

dive. Living Lophelia pertusa was found in scattered small patches as well as occasional large thickets.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

28o 47.601' N, 79o 37.291' W

Image C: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

28o 47.585' N, 79o 37.262' W *

Image D: Hard Coral 

28o 47.622' N, 79o 37.300' W

151
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4682 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), M Nizinski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copies of bow and stern audio logs

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst Am Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.746' N, 79o 37.277' W

09-Jun-04

773

760

17:06

19:08

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.4

28° 47.756'

79° 37.304'

28° 47.749'

79° 37.240'

152
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4682 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The substrate surrounding the reef structure was primarily a mixture of sand and coral rubble with a crusty sediment 

layer. It was difficult to distinguish between the strictly sediment habitat category and that of sand/rubble/rock. The 

reef structure in the area was confined to isolated islands of hard corals and encrusting fauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs and 1 HD and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. The transects were often dark 

and moderate marine snow made much of the habitat difficult to observe. There was some technical difficulty during 

the recording of the second DV that caused the recording to be intermittent.

Few species of invertebrates or fish were seen during this dive. The dominant fish species was Synaphobranchus

spp. Other species included Fenestraja plutonia, Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Trachyscorpia cristulata, and a chimaerid. 

Mobile invertebrates included a number of unidentified red shrimp and several pancake urchins. Though there were 

some live Lophelia pertusa growths, the majority of the sessile invertebrate community was composed of 

antipatharians and hexactinellid sponges.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

28o 47.783' N, 79o 37.286' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.744' N, 79o 37.266' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

28o 47.742' N, 79o 37.232' W

153
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4702 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Howard (bow), E Baird (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other No bow audio log, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs, 3 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.682' N, 79o 37.404' W * 20-Jun-04

738

709

8:38

10:42

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.4

28° 47.699'

79° 37.398'

28° 47.605'

79° 37.380'

154
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4702 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Hard coral habitat, with and without attached fauna, was the dominant habitat observed during this dive. These areas 

were mostly small mounds, with <2 m profile, of mostly (~60%) live Lophelia pertusa. In some areas, hard corals were 

covered with attached fauna, including hexactinellid sponges, large white sponges, alcyonaceans, and hydroids. Coral 

rubble was another substrate observed during the dive on slope faces, and one stretch of this habitat had attached 

starburst corals. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs and archived on 3 DVDs. The overall video quality varied between DVs. The 

first DV contains a large amount of close footage with little perspective. The remaining 2 DVs were frequently underlit 

during transects but were still of good quality. There was no time overlay for any of this dive, so audio transmissions 

were used to correlate these data with real time.

Synaphobranchus spp. was the most abundant fish species observed during this dive. Relatively few other fishes 

were observed. Pencil urchins were abundant throughout this dive and were observed on sponges, rubble, and hard 

corals. Other mobile invertebrates observed included several galatheoid species and Echinus tylodes. Sessile 

invertebrates were diverse, and included alcyonaceans, antipatharians, sponges, and hydroids. 

Image B: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 47.694' N, 79o 37.398' W

Image C: Hard Coral 

28o 47.670' N, 79o 37.398' W

Image D: Hard Coral 

28o 47.670' N, 79o 37.374' W

155
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4703 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers A Brooks (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Training dive, hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 1 HD

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 46.626' N, 79o 36.960' W * 20-Jun-04

755

741

17:08

18:52

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.4

28° 46.621'

79° 36.957'

28° 46.622'

79° 36.958'

156
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4703 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral North

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Habitats seen on this dive included coral rubble and hard coral with attached fauna. Coral rubble was the dominant 

habitat type during this dive. The bottom had many valleys and crests covered with ~75% rubble. During the middle of 

the dive, a patch of hard coral was encountered, which was composed mostly of dead Lophelia pertusa with attached 

alcyonaceans. For the remainder of the dive, the submersible transected patches of coral rubble with and without 

attached fauna and hard coral with fauna.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and archived on 2 DVDs. There was a large amount of footage shot at very 

close range with little perspective during this dive. Additionally, at times there were interruptions in the video feed that 

created blank spaces and static.

Few fishes and invertebrates were observed. Fishes observed on rubble habitat included Synaphobranchus spp., 

Fenestraja plutonia (Image D), and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Few Synaphobranchus spp. and Nezumia spp. were 

seen in the hard coral habitat. Crinoids were abundant throughout the dive, and mostly on rubble bottom. A few 

pancake urchins and no galatheid crabs were observed during this dive. Sessile invertebrates were also common, but 

not diverse. Sessile invertebrates included small antipatharians, alcyonaceans, Lophelia pertusa, and hexactinellid 

sponges.

Image B: Rubble 

28o 46.620' N, 79o 36.954' W

Image C: Rubble 

28o 46.614' N, 79o 36.972' W

Image D: Rubble 

28o 46.620' N, 79o 36.972' W

157
Site Characterization Cape Canaveral South

 OVERVIEW 

 GENERAL LOCATION 

 DIVE SUMMARY FOR SITE

Dive Date PI Station Method

StartTimeEndTimeStartLat (N)StartLong (W)EndLat (N)EndLong (W)

Total Dives: 2 Depth Range (m): 679 to 745

 HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION MAP

21-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4704 HOV 8:37 10:41 28° 02.636' 79° 36.823' 28° 02.532' 79° 36.751'

21-Jun-04 SW Ross JSLI-4705 HOV 17:18 19:08 28° 02.159' 79° 36.837' 28° 02.377' 79° 36.784'

158
Site Characterization Cape Canaveral South

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 SITE OVERVIEW AUTHOR ML Partyka, AM Quattrini DATE COMPILED 08-Jan-07

The target of the dives in the Canaveral South area was a broad feature approximately 40 m in relief, 60 miles southeast 

of Cape Canaveral, FL. Ross et al. conducted two dives at this location in 2004. The dives surveyed coral mounds in 

679-745 m depth. The side of the feature was made up of a series of ridges covered with mostly dead Lophelia pertusa

interspersed with shallow valleys of sand and coral rubble. Most of the Lophelia encountered was dead and encrusted 

with a large variety of sessile invertebrates. Mean bottom temperatures were 6.3 oC during each dive, and mean salinities 

were 34.9. 

The fish and invertebrate fauna at this site was similar to the North Cape Canaveral site. Synaphobranchus spp. and

Nezumia sclerorhynchus were the most common species in the area, followed by Laemonema melanurum, Fenestraja 

plutonia (only seen off reef), and Trachyscorpia cristulata,. Mobile invertebrates were rare and represented by pancake 

urchins, pencil urchins and a few small galatheids. The sessile invertebrate community was much more diverse. Hard 

coral habitat was frequently covered with hydroids, various sponges, alcyonaceans, anemones, antipatharians and 

isidids.

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 02.388' N, 79o 36.774' W

Image B: Hard Coral 

28o 02.508' N, 79o 36.738' W *

Image C: Rubble 

(No Position Available)

159
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4704 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral South

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers KJ Sulak (bow), C Morrison (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 1 mini DV

 Digital Still Photos 30

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral-Fauna 

(No Position Available)

21-Jun-04

745

735

8:37

10:41

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

28° 02.636'

79° 36.823'

28° 02.532'

79° 36.751'

160
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4704 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral South

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The submersible transected over patches of various habitat types, including hard corals with and without attached 

fauna, coral rubble, and sand/coral rubble areas without attached fauna. Hard corals (Lophelia pertusa) with attached 

fauna was the dominant habitat type observed. Mostly, Lophelia pertusa was dead (75-90%) and densely packed, with 

relief generally < 1m; occasionally relief was near 2 m in height. Usually at the bases of the hard coral areas, there 

was a large patch of sand. Attached fauna associated with hard corals included hydroids, alcyonaceans, isidids, 

sponges, and antipatharians. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved on 2 DVDs for archiving. Heavy marine snow was encountered 

during this dive. Some static interference in the video feed occurred throughout. The second DV had frequent 

interruptions in the video feed and there was frequent footage of the water column. The majority of this dive track was 

missing, so no position information was available for a number of the habitat images.

Five fish species were seen during this dive on coral rubble and hard coral habitat areas. Synaphobranchus spp., 

Nezumia sclerorhynchus, and Laemonema melanurum were the most common species. Pancake urchins were the 

only noticeable mobile invertebrates seen during this dive. Sessile invertebrates were patchy, but included 

alcyonaceans, hexactinellid sponges, vase sponges, large white sponges, hydroids, Lophelia pertusa, Stylaster,

antipatharians, and isidids. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

(No Position Available)

Image C: Rubble 

(No Position Available)

Image D: Hard Coral 

28o 02.508' N, 79o 36.738' W *

161
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4705 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral South

 Purpose Mapping of deep coral banks, ecological studies 

of macroinvertebrates and fishes, paleoclimate 

studies, coral genetics and educational outreach

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson, Johnson Sea Link I 

Submersible

 Science Divers SW Ross (bow), M Niziniski (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Digital Still Photos 0

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Hard copy of stern audio log

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE, NOAA Fisheries, USGS, UNCW, NC 

Museum of Natural Sciences

 SEADESC Analyst AM Quattrini, ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs, 2 HDs

 Project Life on the Edge 2004

 Principal investigators SW Ross1

KJ Sulak, MS Nizinski, E Baird

 PI Contact Info1 Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin Moss 

Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Hard Coral 

28o 02.388' N, 79o 36.774' W

21-Jun-04

725

679

17:18

19:08

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 1.1

28° 02.159'

79° 36.837'

28° 02.377'

79° 36.784'

162
DIVE NUMBER: JSLI-4705 STUDY AREA: Cape Canaveral South

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This area consisted of a series of valleys and ridges with patches of coral rubble, hard corals (Lophelia pertusa), and 

sand mixed with coral rubble. The faces of the ridges were covered with coral rubble with attached fauna. Tops of 

ridges were dominated by hard corals with varying degrees of live L. pertusa (10-40%) and attached fauna, relief <2 m. 

Associated attached fauna included large white sponges, few large antipatharians, alcyonaceans, isidids, hydroids, 

and hexactinellid sponges. Substrate in the valleys was mostly sand with small amounts of coral rubble and no 

attached fauna. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

EEZ-SCAN 87 Scientific Staff (1991)

Reed (2002)

Reed and Ross (2005)

Reed et al. (2006)

Ross and Nizinski (in press)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was captured on 2 mini DVs and saved to 2 DVDs for archiving. There was a large amount of marine snow, 

which made habitat classification difficult in the beginning of the dive. Garbage was also observed on the bottom. 

Several fish and invertebrate species were observed during this dive. Only Fenestraja plutonia was observed off reef. 

Synaphobranchus spp., Laemonema melanurum, and scorpaenids were observed in rubble and hard coral habitats. 

One Chaceon sp., a few pencil urchins, and several small galatheoids were observed throughout the dive. Sessile 

invertebrates included a diversity of sponges, alcyonaceans, Lophelia pertusa, antipatharians, hydroids, and isidids. 

Image B: Sand/Rubble/RockBarren

28o 02.232' N, 79o 36.822' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Fauna 

28o 02.334' N, 79o 36.774' W *

Image D: Hard Coral 

28o 02.376' N, 79o 36.786' W

163
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3412 STUDY AREA: Sherwood Valley

 Purpose To explore and describe habitats and associated 

fauna of high-relief features of the Charleston 

Bump at a dive site called Sherwood Valley

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Potter (bow), J McClelland (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Investigating the Charleston Bump 2003

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

SE Stancyk

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 57.408' N, 78o 37.830' W 08-Aug-03

392

382

15:49

17:53

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.7

31° 57.552'

78° 37.703'

31° 57.330'

78° 37.964'

164
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3412 STUDY AREA: Sherwood Valley

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Three habitat types were observed during this dive: 1) sand/rubble/rock with fauna, 2) mixed habitat, and 3) rock ledge 

with fauna. The latter was the most common and was present in a variety of forms from low-relief jagged rocks to 

moderate-relief rock ledges to higher-relief rocky walls. The sand/rubble/rock distinction was given to the area with 

large amounts of sediment covering the generally rocky substrate. The mixed habitat area was noted for a diverse 

moderate-relief macrofaunal community on a flat, rocky substrate.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. The entire descent, ascent and recovery are covered with this footage. There 

was no time overlay so a combination of audio comments and CTD depth information were used to correlate video 

time with real time. The transects were usually evenly lit but at times out of focus. Additionally, the inner lens of the 

camera was cloudy near the center of the frame.

A large number of fishes were seen during the course of this dive. The most common included Laemonema 

melanurum, L. barbatulum, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Squalus cubensis. Others observed were Polyprion

americanus and Cirrhigaleus asper. There were also a large number of mobile invertebrates encountered, including 

Eumunida picta, pencil urchins, brittle stars and large basket stars. The macrofaunal community was also diverse and 

abundant. Various sponges, primnoids, hydroids, isidids, cup corals and flytrap anemones dominated the area. Black 

corals, Lophelia pertusa, Paramuricea, and hexactinellids were also common.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Fauna 

31o 57.486' N, 78o 37.746' W

Image C: Mixed Habitat 

31o 57.390' N, 78o 37.872' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 57.330' N, 78o 37.932' W

165
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3463 STUDY AREA: Barrelfish Cliff

 Purpose To map, explore and describe habitats along 

portions of an offshore transect, while 

characterizing changes in biota relative to 

distance from shore.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers JD Dubick (bow), K Filer (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other Collected sponges, seastars.

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.142' N, 78o 36.156' W 24-Aug-04

623

550

16:53

19:13

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.5

31° 23.226'

78° 35.780'

31° 23.130'

78° 36.382'

166
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3463 STUDY AREA: Barrelfish Cliff

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive took place along an extensive, high-relief, rocky scarp. The surface of the scarp varied from moderately 

sloped (~40o) jagged exposures of rock to sheer-faced walls with few overhangs to enormous slabs of rock with deep

caverns and large overhangs. The entire area was covered by a dense cover of attached macrofauna that varied little 

in composition throughout the course of the dive. Dense piles of coraline rubble and coarse sands were present at the 

base of some ledges while other areas appeared to be scoured clean. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. The footage for this dive was of fair-to-mediocre quality owing to the fact that 

there was dried material on the inner camera lens, frequent video interference and static and the camera was often 

left out of focus during the long transects. However, the video was adequate to view and classify the available habitat 

throughout the dive. Sponges and seastars were collected.

Few fishes were observed during this dive, the majority of which were encountered during the second half of the dive. 

Beryx decadactylus were the most common, followed by Polyprion americanus and Chaunax spp. A single species of 

sea star was the only mobile marine invertebrate captured on this video. The sessile invertebrate community, 

however, was both diverse and densely populated. The most common macrofauna were cup-shaped sponges, fanshaped sponges, Stylaster and numerous hydrozoans.

Image B: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.166' N, 78o 35.994' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.148' N, 78o 36.096' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 23.148' N, 78o 36.162' W

167
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3465 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks South

 Purpose To map, explore and describe habitats along 

portions of an offshore transect, while 

characterizing changes in biota relative to 

distance from shore.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Stephen (bow), P Mikell (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Mixed Habitat 

31o 23.898' N, 77o 51.096' W 25-Aug-04

786

740

17:10

19:15

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 23.886'

77° 51.067'

31° 24.174'

77° 50.872'

168
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3465 STUDY AREA: Stetson Banks South

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began in a rubble strewn habitat along a shallow ridge-line. Transects continued up a steep slope (50-60o)

over a mixed habitat with a dense layer of coral rubble with some small living corals and attached fauna. The top of 

the ridge was covered with a thick dead coral matrix with less than 5% living coral. The dive proceeded down the 

slope and over a relatively flat area with a series of small ridges and rises alternating between low-relief mixed habitats 

and expanses of coral rubble with sparsely attached fauna. The dive continued to another steep rise (~70o) covered in 

dense dead coral, primarily Lophelia pertusa, with attached macrofauna at its summit. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on two mini DVs. The majority of this video was underlit and filmed too far off the bottom for 

easy habitat identification and description. Additionally, there was condensation on the inner lens of the camera that 

further obscured the view. Crinoids, sediment, coral, rocks, and sponges were collected. 

A number of fishes were seen during the course of this dive, though the majority of them were represented by single 

individuals. Some of the species observed included Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Nettenchelys exoria, Merluccius albidus, 

Hoplostethus occidentalis and Trachyscorpia cristulata. Mobile invertebrates were limited and represented by pancake 

urchins, brittle stars and a large red shrimp seen swimming across the bottom. Small macrofauna were difficult to see 

when the sub was not stationary, however higher-relief fauna like bamboo and black corals were more easily 

distinguished. Only one large sponge was seen during the course of this dive. 

Image B: Rubble 

31o 23.922' N, 77o 51.018' W

Image C: Hard Coral-Barren 

31o 23.970' N, 77o 50.958' W

Image D: Mixed Habitat 

31o 24.096' N, 77o 50.874' W

169
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3466 STUDY AREA: Sandy Tongue

 Purpose To map, explore and describe habitats along 

portions of an offshore transect, while 

characterizing changes in biota relative to 

distance from shore.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers S Meister (bow), Z Schobernd (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 3 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Soft Substrate 

31o 33.426' N, 77o 29.310' W 26-Aug-04

876

871

8:40

11:00

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.3

31° 33.324'

77° 29.366'

31° 33.750'

77° 29.175'

170
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3466 STUDY AREA: Sandy Tongue

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The entire dive took place over a series of rolling sand dunes, 2-3 meters in relief, with a rippled surface. The sands 

making up these dunes were of fine to medium coarseness and bright white in color. In some areas the sediment was 

covered with a thin film of brownish-green material and the occasional piece of Sargassum.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Popenoe and Manheim (2001)

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 3 mini DVs. There was condensation on the inner lens of the camera, which obscured the 

details of some species. The footage also had an overall grainy quality and was mostly filmed with low-light. An eel, 

other fishes, an anemone, sand and a crab were collected.

A large number and diversity of fishes were recorded during this dive. The most common species were 

Synaphobranchus affinis, Physiculus spp. and an unidentified eel. Other species included Chlorophthalmus agassizi, 

Nezumia sclerorhynchus, Fenestraja plutonia, Centroscyllium fabricii and an unidentified shark possibly of the family 

Chlamydoselachidae. Mobile invertebrates were less common but included Chaceon crabs and small red shrimp. A 

single large white anemone and a single venus flytrap anemone were the only attached macrofauna observed on this 

sandy habitat.

Image B: Soft Substrate 

31o 33.636' N, 77o 29.256' W

Image C: Soft Substrate 

31o 33.636' N, 77o 29.256' W

Image D: Soft Substrate 

31o 33.690' N, 77o 29.178' W

171
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3467 STUDY AREA: Deep Flats

 Purpose To map, explore and describe habitats along 

portions of an offshore transect, while 

characterizing changes in biota relative to 

distance from shore.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers J Loefer (bow), K Bryan (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

31o 49.500' N, 77o 31.386' W 26-Aug-04

908

887

16:42

18:17

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts)

31° 49.686'

77° 31.142'

31° 49.464'

77° 31.311'

172
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3467 STUDY AREA: Deep Flats

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

The majority of the dive was spent on a gently sloped plain of soft sediments mixed with dense rubble with very little 

relief. A large rock outcrop and a densely consolidated dead coral mound were encountered near the end of the dive 

and were of moderate relief (1-3 m). The hard coral habitat was defined by a dense matrix of consolidated dead coral 

rubble with very little living coral (<5%). Most of the rubble appeared to be from Lophelia pertusa. 

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs of fair quality. The footage was generally grainy and underlit, but habitat was 

easily distinguished as were a number of the fauna encountered throughout the dive. Sediment, coral, an eel, other 

fishes, and rocks were collected.

A large number and variety of fishes were observed during the course of this dive. The most common were 

Synaphobranchus affinis and Centroscyllium fabricii. These were typically observed in association with the soft 

substrate habitat encountered at the beginning of the dive. Other species included Myxine glutinosa, Nezumia 

sclerorhynchus and Chlorophthalmus agassizi. These species were seen in a variety of habitats throughout the dive. 

Mobile invertebrates were represented by a large number of urchins in the soft substrate and rubble areas, abundant 

brittle stars in rubble and coraline habitats as well as a large red stone crab. Attached macrofauna were scarce for the 

majority of the dive but were found in high concentrations attached to the rocky coral substrate at the end of the dive. 

These included small cup corals and sponges, hydroids, Stylaster, and soft corals. No large sponges or gorgonians 

were observed during this dive.

Image B: Rubble 

31o 49.476' N, 77o 31.266' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Barren 

31o 49.488' N, 77o 31.368' W

Image D: Hard Coral-Fauna 

31o 49.470' N, 77o 31.320' W

173
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3470 STUDY AREA: Cutthroat Cliff

 Purpose To map, explore and describe habitats along 

portions of an offshore transect, while 

characterizing changes in biota relative to 

distance from shore.

 Vessel R/V Seward Johnson 2, Johnson Sea Link II 

Submersible

 Science Divers GR Sedberry (bow), R King (stern)

 Internal Video Tapes

 Digital Still Photos

 CTD File

 Specimens Collected

 Other

 Acknowledgements NOAA-OE

 SEADESC Analyst ML Partyka

 DIVE DATA

 STATION OVERVIEW

Dive Track:

GENERAL LOCATION

 External Video Tapes 2 mini DVs

 Project Estuary to the Abyss 2004

 Principal investigators GR Sedberry1

 PI Contact Info1 Marine Resources Research Institute, SCDNR 

P.O. Box 12559 Charleston SC 29422-2559

 Positioning System dGPS

 Date Compiled 11/16/2006

Image A: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 17.106' N, 79o 20.148' W 30-Aug-04

874

857

8:38

10:29

Date

Maximum Bottom Depth (m)

Minimum Bottom Depth (m)

Start Bottom Time (EDT)

End Bottom End (EDT)

Starting Latitude (N)

Starting Longitude (W)

Ending Latitude (N)

Ending Longitude (W)

Surface Current (Kts)

Bottom Current (Kts) 0.2

30° 17.052'

79° 20.255'

30° 17.124'

79° 20.154'

174
DIVE NUMBER: JSLII-3470 STUDY AREA: Cutthroat Cliff

 IMAGE GALLERY * indicates image position is approximated

 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

This dive began in a sand/rubble/rock habitat with very little slope and/or relief with some large rocks. This habitat 

gave way to an expanded area of exposed rock substrate with and without attached macrofauna. Though the rock 

surface was jagged and of moderate-relief, there were very few actual rock ledges. There was also a large flat plain 

covered in dense coral and stone rubble mixed with fine sediments. The dive concluded at the edge of a steep slope 

(~45o) covered in soft sediment with areas of exposed bedrock jutting out as ledges. The attached macrofauna of this 

habitat was dominated by large Keratoisis bamboo corals and small growths of Enallopsammia hard corals.

 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Harasewych and Sedberry (2006) 

 RELEVANT WORK AND/OR LITERATURE CITED

 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This dive was recorded on 2 mini DVs. There was condensation on the inner lens of the camera and the video feed 

was very grainy. The lighting and focus, however, were adequate for both habitat and species identifications. Sand, a 

sponge, snails, coral, a crinoid and fishes were collected.

Few species of fishes or mobile invertebrates were observed during the course of this dive. The eel Synaphobranchus

affinis was common and seen regularly throughout the course of this dive. Other species such as Laemonema 

barbatulum and an unidentified cusk eel were only seen occasionally. Pancake urchins were the most common mobile 

marine invertebrates observed in the area, although one rocky outcrop was covered in small gastropods. The 

macrofaunal community was relatively depauperate during most of the dive with a few species of sponge and small 

stands of Enallopsammia coral. The rock ledge habitat at the end of the dive had a more diverse population of 

attached fauna including large Keratoisis bamboo corals, Parantipathes and Bathypathes black corals, stalked crinoids 

and various sponges.

Image B: Sand/Rubble/Rock-Barren 

30o 17.034' N, 79o 20.226' W

Image C: Rock Ledge-Fauna 

30o 17.142' N, 79o 20.154' W

Image D: Rock Ledge-Barren 

30o 17.154' N, 79o 20.160' W

175
APPENDIX IV

Visual Basic Code used in

SEADESC Database

Class Object Code

Private Sub Detail_Print(Cancel As Integer, PrintCount As Integer)

Me!txtImageNote = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame, Me!txtImageName)

Me!txtImageNote1 = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame1, Me!txtImagetrack)

Me!txtImageNote2 = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame2, Me!txtImageA)

Me!txtImageNote3 = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame3, Me!txtImageB)

Me!txtImageNote4 = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame4, Me!txtImageC)

Me!txtImageNote5 = DisplayImage(Me!ImageFrame5, Me!txtImageD)

 

‘txtImageNote is an unbound text control that links the imageframe control’

‘to the image path in the underlying query/table’

 

End Sub

Module

Public Function DisplayImage(ctlImageControl As Control, strImagePath As Variant) As String

On Error GoTo Err_DisplayImage

Dim strResult As String

Dim strDatabasePath As String

Dim intSlashLocation As Integer

With ctlImageControl

If IsNull(strImagePath) Then

 .Visible = False

 strResult = “No image name specified.”

Else

 If InStr(1, strImagePath, “\”) = 0 Then

 ‘ Path is relative

 strDatabasePath = CurrentProject.FullName

 intSlashLocation = InStrRev(strDatabasePath, “\”, Len(strDatabasePath))

 strDatabasePath = Left(strDatabasePath, intSlashLocation)

 strImagePath = strDatabasePath & strImagePath

 End If

 .Visible = True

 .Picture = strImagePath

 strResult = “Image found and displayed.”

End If

End With

Exit_DisplayImage:

DisplayImage = strResult

Exit Function

Err_DisplayImage:

Select Case Err.Number

 Case 2220 ‘ Can’t find the picture.

 ctlImageControl.Visible = False

 strResult = “Can’t find image in the specified name.”

 Resume Exit_DisplayImage:

 Case Else ‘ Some other error.

 MsgBox Err.Number & “ “ & Err.Description

 strResult = “An error occurred displaying image.”

 Resume Exit_DisplayImage:

End Select

End Function

176
United States Department of Commerce

Carlos M. Gutierrez 

Secretary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. USN (Ret.)

Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmospheres

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

Richard W. Spinrad

Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research