Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and Ecology		

DeepCAST II Expedition Report

Roatán,	Honduras.	May	21‐28,	2011.

Report date: September 2011

	 	

NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 137
This	report	has	been	reviewed	by	the	National	Ocean	Service	of	the	National	Oceanic	and	

Atmospheric	Administration	(NOAA)	and	approved	for	publication.		Such	approval	does	not	signify	

that	the	contents	necessarily	represent	the	official	position	of	NOAA	or	of	the	Government	of	the	

United	States,	nor	does	mention	of	trade	names	or	commercial	products	constitute	endorsement	or	

recommendation	for	their	use.		Furthermore,	this	report	is	intended	to	serve	as	a	record	of	cruise	

activities	and	preliminary	observations	during	a	field	survey	in	support	of	an	ongoing	research	

study,	and	thus	does	not	represent	a	final	analysis	or	interpretation	of	project	results. 

Cover	Photo.	A	large	yellow	sea	fan	colony	with	Asteroschema sp.	brittlestars	in	the	branches	and	an	

orange	colored	brisingid	seastar	Novodinia antillensis on	a	rocky	outcrop at	700	meters	depth	in	

Roatán,	Honduras.	

Citation for this		Report:

Etnoyer,	PJ,	TC	Shirley,	KA	Lavelle.	2011.	Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and Ecology 

(DeepCAST) II Expedition Report. NOAA	Technical	Memorandum	NOS	NCCOS	137.		NOAA/NOS	

Center	for	Coastal	Environmental	Health	and	Biomolecular	Research,	Charleston,	SC.	42	pp.
Expedition Report

Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and Ecology (DeepCAST) II Expedition,		

May 21‐28, 2011

Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and

Ecology (DeepCAST) II Expedition Report

Peter	J.	Etnoyer1,	Thomas	C.	Shirley2,	and	Katherine	A.	Lavelle2

1	 NOAA	Ocean	Service,	National	Centers	for	Coastal	Ocean	Science	(NCCOS),	

Center	for	Coastal	Environmental	Health	and	Biomolecular	Research	

(CCEHBR),	219	Fort	Johnson	Road,	Charleston,	SC,	29412‐9110	

2	 Texas	A&M	University‐	Corpus	Christi,	6300	Ocean	Drive,	Corpus	Christi,	

TX,	78412	

[Also	see	list	of	other	collaborating	scientists	on	the	final	page	of	this	report]	

NOAA	Technical	Memorandum	NOS	NCCOS	137	

September 2011

United	States	Department	of	 National	Oceanic	and		 National	Ocean	Service	

Commerce	 Atmospheric	Administration	

Gary	Locke	 Jane	Lubchenco	 David	Kennedy	(A)	

Secretary	 Administrator	 Assistant	Administrator	
This page intentionally left blank. 
1

Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and Ecology (DeepCAST) II Expedition

Roatán, Honduras. May 21-28, 2011. 

Introduction: 

NOAA has a mandate to explore and understand deep-sea coral ecology under Magnuson-Stevens 

Sustainable Fisheries Conservation Act Reauthorization of 2009. Deep-sea corals are increasingly 

considered a proxy for marine biodiversity in the deep-sea because corals create complex structure, and 

this structure forms important habitat for associated species of shrimp, crabs, sea stars, brittle stars, and 

fishes. Yet, our understanding of the nature of the relationships between deep-corals and their associated 

species is incomplete. 

One of the primary challenges of conducting any type of deep-sea coral (DSC) research is access to the 

deep-sea. The deep-sea is a remote environment that often requires long surface transits and sophisticated 

research vehicles like submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The research vehicles often 

require substantial crew, and the vehicles are typically launched from large research vessels costing many 

thousands of dollars a day. 

To overcome the problem of access to the deep-sea, the Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy 

and Ecology (DeepCAST) Expeditions are pioneering the use of shore-based submersibles equipped to do 

scientific research. Shore-based subs alleviate the need for expensive ships because they launch and 

return under their own power. One disadvantage to the approach is that shore-based subs are restricted to 

nearby sites. The disadvantage is outweighed, however, by the benefit of repeated observations, and the 

opportunity to reduce the costs of exploration while expanding knowledge of deep-sea coral ecology. 

Expedition Summary: 

The DeepCAST II Expedition explored depths below the Meso-American Reef in Roatán, Honduras from 

21- 28 May 2011. The team explored deep-sea habitats using the Roatán Institute for Deep-sea 

Exploration submersible Idabel, captained by Karl Stanley. The team made six dives between 1200 and 

2200 feet deep (365 and 670 meters), conducting photo and video transects to estimate coral and sponge 

diversity and abundance, characterizing water chemistry, and collecting corals and mollusks to discern the 

relationships between corals and their epifauna. 

Among the highlights of the trip were: 

 First confirmed documentation of live Lophelia pertusa along the Meso-American Reef. 

 Comprehensive sampling of slit shell diversity for genetic and biogeographic studies. 

 Live aggregations of very large, presumably very old, deep-sea gorgonian corals. 

 Octocoral diversity and biomass exceeding well-known sites in the Gulf of Mexico. 

 Numerous species in association with corals, including sea stars, sea urchins, brittle stars, 

mollusks, crabs, and fishes. 

 Evidence of agonistic interactions, including predation on deep-sea coral colonies. 

 Photographic data to measure coral recovery rates from prior predation events. 

 Evidence of human pollution (trash & fishing gear) degrading coral habitat near 1500 ft (460 m) 
2

Figure 1. Map of the Western Caribbean Sea showing the extent of 

the deep Meso-American Reef, from Honduras (bottom) to 

Yucatan Channel (top). The 800 m isobath is in red, showing the 

depth limit of our explorations. 

Project Description: 

The Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) is the 

Atlantic Ocean’s largest coral reef, and 

the second largest barrier reef in the 

world. The reef stretches across 1000 

km of the continental shelf from 

Honduras to Mexico (Fig. 1). The 

continental slope is directly adjacent to 

the reef, and drops abruptly to bathyal 

depths of 3500 m and more. The 

substrate and topography of the deep 

escarpment are well suited to deep-sea 

corals, including ‘stony’ reef building 

corals, soft corals, cup corals, sea fans, 

and black corals. 

Yet, only 2 or 3 sites along the MAR 

have been explored using submersibles 

or sampled using trawls. Where the 

present study was conducted, rich and 

abundant assemblages of hard and soft 

corals were found. Species composition 

of the deep reef assemblage appears 

similar to neighboring US reefs, with 

many shared species. This suggests 

deep-sea communities along the MAR 

may be connected to the Gulf of 

Mexico and Straits of Florida through 

larval dispersal and exchange. 

Isla de Roatán in the Bay Islands is 

located at the southern extent of the MAR, 50 km north of mainland Honduras. The island offers ready 

access to remarkable deep-sea coral aggregations 700 m and deeper. Roatán is home to the Idabel 

submersible and Roatán Institute for Deep-Sea Exploration (RIDE). RIDE was founded by Idabel

designer, builder, and pilot Karl Stanley. 

The Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and Ecology (DeepCAST) II Expedition used the 

Idabel submersible to collect photographic, video, and water chemistry data. The research team included 

marine biologists from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Smithsonian 

Institution National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi 

(TAMU-CC), and Conservation International (CI). Dr. Peter Etnoyer, NOAA, led the research expedition. 

Dr. Tom Shirley, TAMU-CC, and Dr. Jerry Harasewych, NMNH, served as co-leaders. 
3

Dive Location: 

Project Goals and Objectives: 

The primary goals of the DeepCAST expeditions were to: 1) estimate deep coral and sponge relative 

abundance, density, and diversity for comparison to other known aggregations in the Western Atlantic; 

and, 2) discern the nature of the relationships between host corals and their associated species, including 

epifauna living on the corals, and predators feeding on the corals. To accomplish these goals, the group 

conducted non-invasive photo and video transects of deep-coral fauna, deployed baited traps, and 

collected voucher specimens of corals (e.g., Lophelia pertusa and Dendrophyllia alternata) and 

associated species (e.g., gastropods and crinoids). 

A secondary goal of the DeepCAST research was to characterize water column chemistry in and around 

Lophelia pertusa reefs. This was accomplished by mounting a Conductivity-Temperature-DepthDissolved Oxygen (CTD-O) with pH sensor to the Idabel submersible. CTD-O data were downloaded to 

a field laptop daily upon recovery. The data may help to define the “climate envelope” of Lophelia 

pertusa in the Caribbean Sea by providing information on temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH. These 

parameters may be correlated to aragonite saturation state through future water sampling efforts. 

Figure 2. Plan view of Roatán Island, situated 70 kilometers north of mainland Honduras. The pink dots 

indicate the location of six submersible dives conducted for DeepCAST II Expedition. 
4

Idabel submersible: 

Idabel was used to gather biological samples, photo, video, CTD-O, and pH data. The sub is equipped 

with interior and exterior still/video cameras, synchronized exterior strobes, and parallel exterior lasers. 

The vessel is pressure rated to 1000 m depth by designer, builder, and pilot Karl Stanley. The vehicle has 

a weight limit of 450 lbs (204 kg) plus the pilot. Two scientists occupied the forward compartment. 

 

Dive Schedule: 

Date Dive 

No. Obs. 1 Obs. 2 Location Max. depth (m) Activity 

- 0 none none Half Moon Bay - deploy baited trap for biology 

5/22/2011 1 Tom Kate Luna Beach 630 Photo-transect, CTD 

5/23/2011 2 Jerry Sebastian Sueno del Mar 655 Photo-transect, CTD, samples 

5/23/2011 3 Laney Annie Half Moon Bay 465 Video transect, CTD, recover trap 

5/25/2011 4 Kate Annie AKR 1 - 

Three Kings 660 Photo-transect, CTD, samples 

5/26/2011 5 Sebastian Laney AKR 2 - 

Lawson's Rock 640 Photo-transect, CTD, samples 

5/27/2011 6 Tom Jerry Old Loafers 375 Photo-transect, CTD, samples 

Figure 3. Idabel submersible is a three-person sub with a 32in. (81 cm) viewport for scientific observers. 

Table 1. DeepCAST II dive dates, observers, locations, depths, and activities. CTD-O = Conductivity-TemperatureDepth-Oxygen sensor, AKR = Anthony’s Key Resort. 
5

Photo and video sampling methodology: 

The primary objective of DeepCAST II was to conduct quantitative photo and video transects of deep 

coral and sponge habitat in at least 4 independent sites in the 100-700 m depth range, using interior 

cameras synchronized to strobes mounted on the exterior of the submersible. Observers operated one 

camera continuously throughout the course of each 4-6 hour dive. The still camera operator took 

approximately 1 photo/minute, shooting wide and medium angle shots of the seafloor with particular 

attention to coral and sponge colonies. The video operator recorded continuous high-definition video on 1 

hour-long Mini-DV tapes. Camera operators tried to frame the images to include the parallel green lasers 

projected from the sub onto the seafloor. All watches and cameras were synchronized with the CTD. 

Divers produced one-page summaries of each dive with dive chronologies providing information on dive 

start time, start coordinates, max depth, min depth, habitat, debris, and animals observed. 

CTD-O sampling methodology: 

A Seabird Seacat 19 conductivity-temperature-depth-oxygen (CTD-O) sensor with a supplementary pH 

sensor was mounted on the starboard side rail of Idabel submersible to generate continuous, along-track 

water chemistry profiles for each dive, especially around Lophelia pertusa reefs. The unit was activated 

before each dive, and data were downloaded on recovery. The unit did not record for the whole transit on 

most dives, but one complete track was recorded on Dive 6. 

Biological sampling methodology: 

Biological samples from the deep-sea were collected with a baited trap and a dip net mounted on the side 

of the Idabel submersible. 

The following items were requested in a sampling permit application to Andrés Alegría, Coordinador de 

Monitoreo Biológico, Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo Forestal, Áreas Protegidas y Vida 

Silvestre (ICF), Honduras. 

Dr. Peter Etnoyer requested up to 5 specimens each of octocorals (sea fans) in the families 

Primnoidae, Ellisellidae, Isididae, and Paramuriceidae. Voucher specimens will be deposited in the 

collections of the Smithsonian Institution. If authorized, one or two additional specimens would be 

collected to be returned to the National University’s museum, as requested by Ian Drysdale. 

Dr. Jerry Harasewych requested up to 3 specimens each of the deep-sea snails in the families 

Pleurotomariidae, Buccinidae, and Muricidae that are encountered during the dives. These would be 

deposited in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution as voucher specimens for anticipated 

publications. Additional specimens will be collected for the National Univ. museum. 

Dr. Marcelo Kitahara could not participate, but requested 5 specimens of deep-water scleractinia 

Lophelia pertusa, Dendrophyllia alternata, Madrepora oculata, Javania cailleti, Desmophyllum 

dianthus and Caryophyllia spp. Voucher specimens will be deposited in the collections of the 

Smithsonian Institution. Additional specimens will be collected for the National Univ. museum. 
6

Scientific apparatus: 

Modifications to Idabel submersible for DeepCAST II included an exterior camera mount with parallel 

lasers for scale, mounted 10 cm apart, and a Seabird Seacat v 19 conductivity-temperature-depth-oxygen 

(CTD-O) sensor. Camera and lasers were mounted forward on the sub, below the viewport. The CTD-O 

was on a lower starboard side rail. 

 

 

Figure 4. The laser mount (in black) is positioned below the camera housing (in yellow). 

Figure 5. A Seabird Seacat 19 CTD-O water chemistry profiler mounted on the starboard rail. 
7

Sampling apparatus: 

Long-pole net: A long, yellow mesh net was weighted with stones to make it hang. The net was attached 

to a hardened steel hoop on the end of a 14ft (4.3 m) long steel pole. The pole was mounted to the port 

side rail of Idabel and used to collect voucher specimens of scleractinian corals (Fig. 6). 

 

Baited trap: A green plastic basket was baited with lionfish heads, wrapped in mesh fabric, and weighted 

with rebar. Yellow rope was threaded through a block of buoyant syntactic foam and attached to the 

basket to create a loop for retrieval (Fig. 7). The retrieval operation used a long shepherd’s crook device 

mounted on the port side rail of Idabel. The crook successfully recovered the trap to the surface.

Figure 6. A long-pole net is used to collect Lophelia pertusa at 1920 ft (585 m) depth. 

Figure 7. A sculptured lobster (Eunephrops cadenasi) and shrimp (Notostomus sp.) 

guard the baited trap at 1510 ft (460 m). Lasers are 10 cm, shown above, left of center. 
8

Dive summaries: 

DeepCAST II Dive 1 Date: May 22, 2011 Location: Luna Beach 

Descent coordinates: 16° 17.691’ N, 86° 36.843’ W 

Observers: Tom Shirley, Kate Lavelle 

Left dock: 0941 hr Begin Descent: 1014 hr Return to dock: 1510 hr 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive 2090 ft. (637 m) Many large basaltic boulders; one was 105 ft vertical 

relief. Boulders were interspersed with soft sediment. No patterns were observed between spacing of 

sediment between boulders; some distances between boulders were long, others were short. Many 

boulders supported little visible epifauna. 

Biology: Soft substrate was occupied by sea urchins, shrimp, stalked crinoids, a few sponges, elasipodid 

sea cucumbers, and a few sharks. One cucumber was observed (and video-taped and photographed) 

swimming. Sea cucumbers, crinoids, and erect cnidarians colonies often tipped with sponges or 

anemones, were most common on soft substrate. Sea cucumbers were usually solitary, often several 

meters from other cucumbers. Stalked cnidarians colonies occurred in abundance, almost regularly 

spaced; stalked crinoids occurred in shallower depths (780 ft, 238 m) and also occurred in relatively dense 

assemblages. Shrimp occurred near some objects on the bottom, either a boulder or anemone. One 

aggregation of sea urchins, about 30 sea urchins, occurred on soft sediment. 

Most common DSC on hard substrate were large Primnoidae, but in places yellow Paramuriceidae were 

abundant (at 13:44, 1110 ft, 338 m). DSC were usually most common on tops of boulders or on 

undersides of ledges along the steep slope. At 1400 ft. Parazooanthus coral occurred in dense clumps on 

tops of boulders in shallower water in a few discrete locations. Karl remarked that he had not seen these 

previously, but I believe that Peter and I observed these in August 2010. A new (for our observations) 

hemiuralyid brittlestar (Asteroporpa annulata) was observed on what appeared to be a yellow 

Paramuriceidae (but with slightly larger branches) in shallower water (850 ft). 

A mass spawning of sharpnose puffers had occurred earlier according to Karl; this rare event had not been 

observed for 12 years. Many juvenile puffers (1 cm) were observed in shallower water 200-100 m. 

Lionfish were first observed at 100 m depth (time 14:39). Blue sponges were common on vertical faces 

of boulders; one green sponge was observed. Large (0.5 m?) glass sponges were commonly observed, as 

were vase sponges. We need names for sponges, as these are common faunal components. 

DeepCAST II Dive 1 Date: May 22, 2011 Location: Luna Beach Figure 8. Large Primnoidae at 1900 ft depth (579 m, left) with squat lobsters and Paramuriceidae (right) with 

Asteroschema sp. brittlestars at 1350 ft depth (411 m).
9

DeepCAST II Dive 1 Date: May 22, 2011 Location: Luna Beach 

Dive profile for Dive 1 (timed out after 49 min)

 Figure 9. A plot of depth and time showing a 46 minute surface tow and 3 minute descent 

Water chemistry profile for Dive 1 

 Figure 10. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH for Dive 1 at Luna Beach.
10

DeepCAST II Dive 1 Date: May 22, 2011 Location: Luna Beach 

Dive 1 Chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Temperature (°C) 

1014 S 30 

1019 200 28 

 540 21 

 800 18 

 900 17.5 

1031 1000 16 

1032 1100 15 

1034 1240 13.5 

1035 1300 13 

1039 1400 Many small squid (<2 cm) & small hatchet fish. 

1042 1485 12.5 No more squid observed 

1046 1680 12 

1049 1800 12 Juvenile frost fish observed 

 1900 12 

1055 2000 11 

1057 2090 11 

1130 1850 10 Brittlestar with white & pink striped disk. 

1200 1640 12 CHANGE TAPE tape 2. Parazoanthus occurred in patches. 

1208 1500 Six gill shark (3-4 m) 

1215 1500 Barren boulder 

1237 1290 12 

1309 1200 12 Changed video camera battery 

1317 1190 12 Large boulder field 

1344 1110 12 Left boulder field; large field of Paramuricea. 

 Atop the boulder were lots of coral and eipifauna. 

1403 990 Started observing light from surface. 

 850 Paramuricea with Asteroporpa annulata brittlestars 

1430 380 25 

1439 100 
11

DeepCAST II Dive 2 Date: May 23, 2011 Location: Sueno del Mar 

Descent coordinates: 16 18.287’ N, 86 36.646’ W 

Observers: Jerry Harasewych, Sebastian Troeng 

Left dock: 10:15 Begin Descent: 10:35 Return to dock: 15:10 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive 2150 ft. (655 m) Steep basaltic wall with many large basaltic boulders, 

with occasional sand pockets. Massive basaltic boulder >100 ft high at 1180 ft, bottom more gently 

sloped [30-45°] at about 1000 ft (305 m), predominantly sand / sediment with occasional boulders. 

Travelled horizontally at about 1000 ft. Turned upslope to steeper [70 - 85°] slope with more rocks. 

Transitioned from basaltic rock to limestone at around 650-700 ft. Limestone wall nearly vertical, with 

overhangs, ledges and small crevices, until reef edge at about 200 ft (61 m). 

 

Biology: Rocky bottom around 2000 ft (610 m) was only sparsely populated with small corals and large 

red sea stars, while sandy patches had occasional swimming holothurians, small, dark urchins, and 

anemones. White branched octocoral collected near 1980 ft (604 m). Lophelia pertusa was collected at 

1920 ft (585 m). Dendrophyllia alternata was also collected. The number of glass sponges began to 

increase near 1800 ft (549 m), especially on vertical or near-vertical surfaces. Crinoids were present, 

including stalked, comatulid, and Holopus. Perotrochus midas was common between 1800 and 1200 ft 

(366 m). One Perotrochus cf. charlestonensis was collected at 1180 ft (360 m). At around 1100 ft (335 

m), bottom became more gently sloped and primarily sand covered, with occasional rocky patches. 

Octocorals on the rocks included large Primnoidae, smallish purple Paramuriceidae, white Muriceides 

colonies and many Bathyalcyon soft corals. Rocks also populated by sponges, Parazoanthus colonies and 

crustaceans [crabs and shrimp]. One clawed lobster seen around 1000 ft. Sandy areas had bluish, 

swimming holothurians, mostly single but occasionally in groups of 5 to 8. Sea urchins also occurred 

both singly and in groups. The wall became steeper, with a higher proportion of rocky bottom at depths 

of 1140-960 ft (350-292 m). Rocks usually covered with sponges, gorgonians, crinoids, crabs and rarely 

Perotrochus quoyanus. Near 600 ft (183 m), the wall became nearly vertical, with cracks, ravines, 

overhangs and caverns. Fauna quite sparse at the base, becoming denser, mostly sponges, by 400 ft (122 

m). Numerous tube sponges by 300 ft (91 m). Entemnotrochus adansonianus collected at 260 ft (79 m). 

 Figure 11. An aggregation of Lophelia pertusa at 1920 feet (585 m) depth at Sueno del Mar.
12

DeepCAST II Dive 2 Date: May 23, 2011 Location: Sueno del Mar 

Dive profile for Dive 2 (timed out after 45 min) 

 Figure 12. A plot of depth and time showing a 40 minute surface tow and 6 minute descent 

Water chemistry profile for Dive 2 

 Figure 13. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH for Dive 2 at Sueno del Mar. 
13

DeepCAST II Dive 2 Date: May 23, 2011 Location: Sueno del Mar 

Dive 2 Chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Temperature (°C) Comment 

10:35 0 30.5 

10:43 400 25.0 

10:46 500 22.0 

10:48 680 20.0 

10:52 1000 16.0 

10:58 1420 12.5 

11:02 1540 12.0 

11:06 1980 11.5 

11:17 2150 10.5 bottom 

11:26 2000 11.5 

11:35 1920 11.5 Lophelia 

11:45 1780 12.0 midas 1 [large] 

11:53 1680 12.0 

11:57 1660 12.0 midas 2 [small] 

12:07 1560 12.0 frogfish 

12:11 1500 12.0 midas [not collected] 

12:14 1480 12.0 CHANGE TAPE 

12:21 1440 12.5 midas 3 & not collected 

12:32 1300 13.0 blue holothurians 

12:38 1180 14.0 giant basaltic boulder 

12:48 1180 14.0 cf. charlestonensis 

12:53 1160 14.0 midas 4 

13:08 1140 14.0 midas [not collected] 

13:16 1060 15.0 sea fan w/ crinoids 

13:37 1000 15.5 boulder 

13:49 1000 15.5 jack 

13:58 980 15.5 sand bottom w/ rocks 

14:10 960 15.5 quoyanus [not collected] 

14:15 940 15.5 sponges 

14:25 920 16.0 quoyanus 1 

14:34 700 18.5 last basaltic rock 

14:37 600 20.0 steep, limestone slope 

14:40 460 22.5 limestone wall 

14:43 360 25.5 3 jacks 

14:47 260 27.0 adansonianus 1 

14:50 200 29.5 reef flat edge 

14:52 0 30.5 surfaced 
14

DeepCAST II Dive 3 Date: May 23, 2011 Location: Half Moon Bay 

Descent coordinates: Slightly north of buoy. Buoy is 16 18.434 N, 86 35.740 W 

Observers: Laney Thornton, Annie Thornton 

Left dock: 1900 Begin Descent: 1907 Return to Surface: 2054 

No boat tow. Submersible left and returned under her own power. 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive was 1530 ft. 

Biology: Scientists were not present on this dive. No biological description is provided. 

Dive 3 Chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Temperature (°C) 

1909 S 30 

1912 150 29 

1916 350 25 

1918 500 22 

1922 700 19 

1928 1100 15 

1935 1400 14 

1939 1530 13 bottom camera on 

1942 1530 13 coral rubble 

1947 1510 13 sand 

1948 1500 13 Limestone boulder 

2002 1510 13 Collecting trap located 

2005 1510 13 Trap picked up 

2010 1430 13 Basalt 

2014 1360 13 Limestone boulders 

2020 1200 15 

2021 1180 15 Water column 

2026 1000 17 Sand 

2035 700 18 coral rubble/old trap 

2043 520 23 Going up vertical wall 

2048 300 27 Going up wall 

2054 S 33 
15

DeepCAST II Dive 3 Date: May 23, 2011 Location: Half Moon Bay 

Dive profile for Dive 3 (timed out after 45 min) 

 Figure 14. A plot of depth and time showing a 19 minute surface tow and a 26 minute descent 

Water chemistry profile for Dive 3

 Figure 15. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH for Dive 3 at Half Moon Bay. 
16

DeepCAST II Dive 4 Date: May 25, 2011 Location: Three Kings (AKR) 

Descent coordinates: 16° 21.026’ N, 86° 34.348’ W 

Observers: Kate Lavelle, Annie Thornton 

Depart dock: 08:47 Begin descent: 09:10 Return to dock: 12:58 

No CTD cast. 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive 2160 ft (658 m). Many large basaltic boulders, fewer limestone 

boulders. Boulders recently moved by earthquake activity had fewer sessile organisms. No patterns in 

boulder distribution were observed. Soft sediment filled the space between boulders. 

Biology: The most abundant corals on hard substrate were primnoids, which were observed at a 

maximum depth of 1800 ft (548 m). Other corals included sea whips, bamboo corals, Bathypathes, 

Corallium, Paramuricea, Dendrophyllia alternata, and Plumapathes. Juvenile galatheoid crabs were seen 

on bamboo corals and primnoids. Adult galatheoids were observed primarily on primnoids. 

Several species of sponges were observed including glass and vase sponges, with the majority occurring 

on boulder faces or the tops of boulders. Two species of cidaroid urchins were seen on Corallium and 

Bathypathes corals. Elasipodid sea cucumbers, brittle stars, anemones, and crinoids were observed on soft 

sediment. The most conspicuous invertebrates were large brisingid seastars, which were often in close 

proximity to corals and on boulders. Epifauna of primnoid colonies included venus flytrap anemones, 

galatheoids, brittle stars, brisingids, and crinoids. 

Two wahoo were seen above the sub while descending (680 ft, 207 m). Two large pyrosomes were seen 

in the water column at 1900 ft (579 m). An unknown red jellyfish was observed at 2000 ft (610 m, 

possibly Periphylla). Two midas slit shells were seen at 1940 ft (591 m). Trash bags, bottles, and plastics 

were observed in a sand channel beginning at 1880 ft (573 m). Five lionfish were seen at 250 ft (76 m). 

Dive 4 chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Comment 

9:10 surface 

9:11 200 temperature was not recorded on this dive 

9:13 300 

9:15 400 

9:17 600 still see surface light 

9:19 680 2 wahoo above sub 

9:21 790 

9:23 900 

9:25 1000 no more light 

9:27 1090 

9:29 1250 

9:31 1290

9:33 1450 

9:35 1500 
17

DeepCAST II Dive 4 Date: May 25, 2011 Location: Three Kings (AKR) 

Dive 4 chronology (continued) 

Time Depth (ft) Comment 

9:37 1600 2’ cutlass fish 

9:39 1690 squid eggs and squid 

9:41 1800 salps, siphonophores 

9:43 1890 1.5’ pyrosome 

9:45 2000 lights out, some bioluminescence 

9:47 2100 

9:49 2160 

9:53 2120 siphonophore, steep incline 

9:57 2100 

9:59 2060 

10:01 2000 lots of bare boulders, from recent earthquakes 

10:03 2000 sea urchin, bathypathes 

10:05 2000 red jelly, unknown 

10:07 2000 clear jelly, maybe ctenophore 

10:09 2000 very steep rockface 

10:11 2000 large siphonophore 

10:13 2000 

10:15 2000 

10:17 2000 huge pyrosome 

10:19 2000 bamboo coral with juvenile crabs 

10:21 2000 

10:23 2000 

10:25 2000 

10:27 2000 starting to see more corals, steep 

10:31 2060 goosefish, Plumapathes, primnoid, Corallium, bamboo 

10:33 2000 

10:35 2000 

10:37 2000 

10:39 2000 

10:41 2000 

10:43 2000 

10:45 2000 

10:49 bare Bathypathes, chirostylid nearby 

10:53 2020 CHANGE TAPE tape 2 begins 

10:57 2020 

10:59 coasting 

11:03 2020 sandy bottom, sand channels 

11:05 2000 

11:07 2000 some bamboo corals, green Plumapathes

11:11 2020 turned around back to where we saw coral 
18

DeepCAST II Dive 4 Date: May 25, 2011 Location: Three Kings (AKR) 

Dive 4 chronology (continued) 

Time Depth (ft) Comment 

11:19 1940 two large midas 

11:21 1880 trash bags, rusting metal 

11:27 1800 

11:29 1780 

11:31 1640 steep slope 

11:33 1600 12 C 

11:35 1520 

11:37 1500 can see ledge 70 ft above us 

11:39 1490 cleared ledge 

11:41 1460 large limestone rock 

11:43 1400 small colonies Dendrophyllia

11:45 1380 

11:47 1300 Paramuricea

11:49 1200 sponges cover boulders 

11:51 1180 

11:55 1100 

11:59 1080 

12:01 1040 garbage, cans, bottles 

12:03 1040 garbage, four large unidentified fish 

12:05 900 

12:09 800 CHANGE TAPE tape 3, rope hanging at 800-850 ft 

12:11 780 

12:13 700 wall 250’ away 

12:15 680 

12:17 600 

12:19 560 

12:21 500 

12:23 480 

12:25 470 

12:27 420 

12:29 410 

12:33 310 large Ellisellidae, presumably Nicella sp., five lionfish 

12:35 250 current now moving opposite direction than current at 2000’ 

12:37 200 visible thermocline 

12:41 surfaced 
19

DeepCAST II Dive 4 Date: May 25, 2011 Location: Three Kings (AKR) 

Large sea fans in the families Primnoidae and Ellisellidae. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. 

Figure 16. A large primnoid colony in the subfamily Calyptrophorinae at 1800 ft (548 m) depth. 

Figure 17. A sea fan in family Ellisellidae with many brittlestars and trash (yellow) at 310 ft (94 m) depth. 
20

DeepCAST II Dive 4 Date: May 25, 2011 Location: Three Kings (AKR) 

Dive profile for Dive 4

Figure 18. A plot of depth and time showing a 35 minute descent with ~165 minutes of bottom time.

Water chemistry profile for Dive 4 

Figure 19. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH for the downcast of Dive 4 at Three Kings. An 

asterisk (*) indicates the depth (580 m) of Lophelia observed at this site on August 14, 2010.

*
21

DeepCAST II Dive 5 Date: May 26, 2011 Location: Lawson’s Rock 

Descent coordinates: 16° 20.188’ N, 86° 34.267’ W

Observers: Sebastian Troëng, Laney Thornton 

Depart dock: 09:05 Begin descent: 09:48 Back at surface: 14:27 Return to dock: 14:39 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive 2,090 ft (637 m). Upon reaching sea bottom there were large basaltic 

boulders of volcanic origin that appeared striated. We observed a couple of cinderblocks with a rope 

stretching in a slight slope as far as we could see. Karl mentioned these may be from the Roatán Marine 

Park staff’s effort to install a buoy but underestimating the depth of the water and only having 1,500 ft of 

rope for the 2,000 ft depth. After the initial basaltic boulders there were large areas of soft bottom with 

occasional basaltic boulders and after the middle of the dive there were occasional calcium carbonate 

boulders including some very large ones. Two boulders in particular stood out, one that was separated by 

a small distance from the main basaltic boulders (observed at 11:13) and a second that was towards the 

end of the dive (observed 13:41), in front of the channel leading to Anthony’s Key Resort and that was 

covered in sea fans and epifauna. For much of the dive (the duration of the two first videotapes) we 

remained at depths exceeding 1,800 ft (549 m) followed by a slow ascent lasting two hours.

 

Biology: The amount of material in the water column varied considerably during the dive. Initially there 

were lots of materials in the water and the bottom fauna appeared more ample with soft bottom fauna 

dominated by lobsters, worms and brittlestars. Later during the dive the water was clearer with less 

material in the water column (and less rich bottom fauna) followed a little later by more material and 

finally by clearer water again. We observed a giant isopod when arriving at the sea bottom. Other 

noteworthy fauna includes a frostfish (photographed) and an unidentified shark (approx. 16 in. long) that 

we filmed but could not photograph (autofocus would not lock). We collected a midas slitshell and three 

coral genera (Dendrophyllia, Madrepora, Enallopsammia). During the ascent we observed large groups 

of urchins at 1,000 ft (305 m) and on a sandy slope at 200 ft (61 m) we observed numerous garden eels. 

 

 Figure 20. Sample collection of Dendrophyllia alternata from Lawson’s Rock. 
22

DeepCAST II Dive 5 Date: May 26, 2011 Location: Lawson’s Rock 

Dive 5 chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Temp (°C) Comment 

9:48 S 31 

9:51 200 29 

9:53 400 24 

9:56 600 20.5 

9:58 800 18 

10:01 1000 16 

10:04 1200 14 

10:06 1400 13 

10:10 1600 12.5 

10:14 1800 12 

10:17 2000 12 

10:20 2090 11.5 bottom, volcanic rock, striation rock may be sedimentary 

10:22 11.5 giant isopod 

10:28 2040 11.5 volcanic rock, some with striation, black corals 

10:30 2040 11.5 sandy bottom with lobster and cinderblocks with rope from 

Roatán Marine Park (according to Karl) 

10:37 2060 11.5 volcanic rock with gorgonians and Madrepora

10:45 2040 11.5 another volcanic rock with gorgonians, black corals, Madrepora

10:53 2040 12 frostfish 

10:58 2020 12 sandy bottom, lobsters, worms, brittlestars 

11:13 1960 11.5 steep cliff to left with limestone slab to right, less fish life 

11:23 1940 12 changed to tape 2

11:35 2040 12 sediment w/ occasional volcanic ridge, less material in water 

11:47 2010 12 seafans with sea stars 

12:02 1940 12 small overhang, more material in water column 

12:08 1910 12 changed battery 

12:20 1980 12 midas slitshell collected, volcanic rock 

12:26 1930 12 Enallopsammia coral collected 

12:27 1960 12 tube sponge photographed, changed to tape 3

12:37 1820 12 midas on sand, midas on rock 

12:45 1680 12.5 ascending volcanic boulder, slope with corals and garbage 

12:53 1560 12.5 green sponges, volcanic slope 

12:58 1460 12.5 yellow coral collected 

13:05 1400 12.5 Dendrophyllia collected, midas on coral 

13:12 1340 13 midas on rock 

13:18 1300 13.5 Dendrophyllia

13:25 1230 13.5 coral sampled, shelled mollusk on wall 

13:41 1160 14 calcium carbonate rock 

13:46 1100 14 rock covered in seafans 

13:53 1020 14 back on sandy slope, numerous urchins together 

14:01 820 18 sandy slope with garbage 

14:06 680 19.5 airplane part in sand 

14:11 500 22 going up steep calcium carbonate drop-off 

14:14 400 24 

14:21 200 30 garden eels 

14:27 surface 31 

14:39 surface 33 dock 
23

DeepCAST II Dive 5 Date: May 26, 2011 Location: Lawson’s Rock 

Large sea fans in the families Primnoidae and Paramuriceidae. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. 

Figure 21. A large sea fan in family Primnoidae, with many squat lobsters at 1100 ft/335 m depth. 

Figure 22. Sea fans in family Paramuriceidae with Asteroschema sp. brittlestars at 1230 ft/374 m depth. 
24

DeepCAST II Dive 5 Date: May 26, 2011 Location: Lawson’s Rock 

Dive profile for Dive 5 (timed out after 45 min) 

 Figure 23. A plot showing a 15 min. surface tow, a 26 min. descent, and 90 min. of along-track data. 

Water chemistry profile for Dive 5

 Figure 24. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH for Dive 5 at Lawson’s Rock. An asterisk 

 (*) indicates observed depth of Lophelia at Sueno del Mar on May 23, 2011 near 585 m depth. 

*
25

DeepCAST II Dive 6 Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Old Loafers 

Descent coordinates: 16° 17.924’ N, 86° 36.292’ W 

Observers: Tom Shirley, Jerry Harasewych 

Left dock: 1415 Begin Descent: 1448 Return to Surface: 1833 

Geology: Maximum depth of dive was 1220 ft (372 m). Sub release point from boat was too shallow, 

only 700 ft (213 m) deep and sub had to drive offshore, near bottom, to find deeper depths. Many large 

boulders (limestone?) were interspersed with soft sediment. Many boulders were sediment-covered and 

supported few epifauna. At depths of about 500 ft (152 m), the slope became nearly vertical, a limestone 

wall that was deeply eroded [like a meteorite] in areas, with the top of the wall at around 200 ft (61 m). 

Biology: Soft substrate was occupied by sea urchins, a few sponges, and elasipodid sea cucumbers. One 

cat shark was observed, perhaps 1 m in total length; sub traveled directly over it and we had a good view 

through the bottom view port. Octocorals were relatively uncommon, mainly the purple/grey sea fans 

that I refer to as Paramuricea, and always on hard substrate, usually on tops of boulders. Crinoids were 

among the most conspicuous animals on this dive, occurring on a variety of different substrates: boulder, 

sponges, and on the few octocorals. 

One site near the beginning of the dive had a natural arch and was covered with sea lilies, more than Karl 

had previously observed. We named this site “Sea Lily City.” Brisingid seastars (Novodinia antillensis) 

occurred on many substrates, but were not as common as on previous dives. Elasipodid sea cucumbers 

were usually solitary, often several meters from other cucumbers on soft sediment. A small (20-39) 

school of shrimp was observed on the bottom near an anemone. One small aggregation of sea urchins, 

about 10 sea urchins, occurred on soft sediment in a group, near the beginning of the dive. Two species of 

slit shells were observed – one on tops of boulders, the other on near vertical walls. A new species of 

turrid shell was collected. 

A bamboo coral (Lepidisis) occurred in solitary stalks commonly, and was more common in shallower 

depths. Galatheoid crabs occurred on some of the Lepidisis. A new, small brittlestar species was 

observed on what appeared to be a yellow Paramuricea (but with slightly larger branches) in much 

shallower water (450 ft, 137 m). These brittlestars blended in almost perfectly with the coral and were 

difficult to distinguish. Many juvenile sharpnose puffers (1-2 cm in length) were observed in shallower 

waters (400-200 ft). Three lionfish were first observed at 400 ft (122 m) depth, but then lionfish were 

observed continuously to the surface. Blue sponges were common on vertical faces of some boulders. 

Figure 25. Corals at Old Loafers included sea fans in family Paramuriceidae (1200 ft/366 m, left) and large thickets 

of the scleractinian coral Madracis myriaster (400 ft/122 m, right). Green lasers are 10 cm apart. 
26

DeepCAST II Dive 6 Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Old Loafers 

Dive 6 chronology: 

Time Depth (ft) Temperature (°C) 

1420 S 33 

1435 S 32 

1445 S 32 

1448 40 30 Beginning dive 

1450 100 30 

1451 200 29.5 

1452 300 28 

1453 400 24 

1455 500 23 

1456 600 22 

1458 700 20 Near bottom, heading offshore to deeper water 

1501 800 19 

1504 900 18 

1506 1000 16 Can see bottom 

1508 1100 15.5 Temperatures are almost identical to Dive 1 (at same depths) 

1509 1150 15 Soft sediment bottom – fine sand/silt 

1512 1220 14 Lots of lebenspuren visible: tracks, ruts, mounds, burrows, depressions 

1520 1240 13 Moving across sand bottom, around large boulder. 

1525 1200 13 Several small, silvery fish hanging upside down under Paramuricea

1535 1180 14 Limestone rx with galatheoid 

1542 1180 14 Silty bottom with limestone rx 

1547 1100 “Sea Lilly City” on large boulder with arch 

1555 1100 15 carrier shell, Parazoanthus

1602 1100 14 Black Rock (Karl’s name for site) – Large Antipathes sp black coral 

1610 1100 14 Level bottom, pits and mounds 

1611 1100 14 Bathypathes (black coral resembling a feather-shape) w/ large galatheoid 

1615 1100 16 CHANGED TAPE; 

1625 1110 16 Collected slit shell 

1638 1060 Collected turrid shell 

1643 1000 16 Large boulders, lots of sediment 

1645 900 17 Large boulders, lots of sediment 

1654 890 Cat shark; squat lobster 

1700 840 Switched camera to AC power; battery ran out; lizard fish 

1705 800 18 Calliostoma sp. collected; 1.5 inches (?) in diameter 

1715 740 Large vase sponges on large boulders; sediment covered 

1722 650 18 CHANGED TAPE; Engine block & 100 ft. of line; little coral observed 

1730 500 21 Drum fish (like a high hat); steep slope 

1735 400 24 Steep slope; French angel; short bigeye; Madracis myriaster

1738 400-380 3 lionfish; 

1745 390 One very large lionfish 

1757 390 26 Steep wall, barren 

1801 320 27 Slit shell collected (Entemnotrochus adansonianus); 2 large lionfish 

1810 400 26 CHANGED TAPE; tape 4; collected Madracis; lots of Lionfish, ~14” 

1815 380 26 Collected more Madracis

1825 300 28 Collected another slit shell (Entemnotrochus adansonianus); another slit 

shell was within a few cm; on steep wall, near sponge 

1833 Surfaced 
27

DeepCAST II Dive 6 Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Old Loafers 

Dive profile for Dive 6 (complete profile) 

 Figure 26. A plot showing a 20 min. surface tow, a 15 min. descent, and 190 min. of along-track data. 

Water chemistry profile for Dive 6

 Figure 27. A plot of salinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature during the 15 min. descent at Old Loafers. 
28

Conclusion: 

The DeepCAST II Expedition represented this research team’s second scientific foray onto the deep-reefs 

of Roatán, Honduras. Research methods and techniques improved substantially since the first three day 

expedition in May 2010 (now referred to as DeepCAST I). Notable improvements include exterior 

mounts for cameras and lasers, along-track water chemistry from NOAA’s Seabird CTD-O, and two new 

methods of sample collecting, the long-pole net and the baited trap. The primary significance of the 

research was enhanced knowledge of the deep-sea diversity present in the deep reaches of the MAR, and 

new baseline information on the environment, health and condition of deep-sea corals off Roatán, 

Honduras. 

Biological sampling was identified as the first research priority after DeepCAST I. We were highly 

successful in this regard. The long-pole net retrieved 19 of 20 specimens (see Appendix 1 and 2), 

including five species of constructional scleractinians, four species of slit shells, one precious octocoral 

(genus Corallium), and one new species of turrid shell. Photo samples documented many more species 

(Appendix 3). We collected more photographic evidence of coral depredation, but have yet to identify the 

predator. Slit shells and cidaroid pencil urchins are currently the primary suspects, so future sampling 

efforts will target these animals. 

The research team has grown to include new partners (e.g., Dr. Jerry Harasewych from Smithsonian 

NMNH), and new members from established partners (e.g., master’s student Kate Lavelle from TAMUCC, Dr. Sebastian Troeng from Conservation International). Results of our fieldwork have also opened 

the door to future collaborations with research partners in other taxa, like fishes and crinoids. 

The next steps for field work are: 1) to improve the duration and performance of the along-track water 

chemistry profiler so every photo-transect can be cross-referenced to environmental parameters (e.g., 

depth and temperature), 2) to collect more samples of corals and associated invertebrates, and 3) to 

explore new habitats for better quantification of alpha and beta diversity on Roatán’s deep-reefs. 

Long term goals include: 1) high-resolution multibeam mapping of the Roatán Escarpment, 2) baseline 

characterization of aragonite saturation to 1000 m depth, and 3) more intensive biological sampling for 

population genetics, to understand patterns of connectivity between deep-reef assemblages along the 

Meso-American Reef and deep-reef assemblages in the adjacent Gulf of Mexico.

Acknowledgements: 

This research would not have been possible without the generous support of Dr. Jeff Hyland at NOAA’s 

Coastal Center for Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research; and Drs. Steven Cairns and Jerry 

Harasewych at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Conservation International’s (CI) 

Sojourns Program contributed greatly to our success. Rod Mast, Levi Norton, and Karl Egloff were 

instrumental to our success, along with Laney Thornton and Anne Chapman-Thornton. Dr. Sebastian 

Troeng of CI contributed important notes and insights. Schmidt Ocean Institute and Dr. Fred Boltz of CI 

helped catalyze the research through their participation in DeepCAST I. 

Karl Stanley’s efforts, ideas, and generosity were largely responsible for much of what we were able to 

accomplish during the expeditions. Research Fellowship funds from Schmidt Ocean Institute provided 

new tools, including new cameras and lasers. Dr. Steve W. Ross of University of North CarolinaWilmington provided fish identifications. Dr. Cairns identified the scleractinians. Andrés Alegría, 

Coordinador de Monitoreo Biológico, Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo Forestal, Áreas 

Protegidas y Vida Silvestre (ICF), Honduras kindly assisted with sample processing, as did Dr. Steve Box 

of Utila Ecology. Thanks to everyone involved for their generous support. 
29

Appendix 1. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Inventory

The following specimens were collected as part of the Deep Coral and Associated Species Taxonomy and 

Ecology (DeepCAST) Expedition in Roatán, Honduras, May 21-28, 2011. Specimens were collected 

under the authority of Resolucion DE-MP-074-2011 from Instituto Nacional de Conservacion y Desarollo 

Forestal, Areas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre. 

Scleractinia are regulated under the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). 

Other marine invertebrates listed in the collecting permit are exempt from CITES. 

Specimens collected that are regulated by CITES: 

IDA-11-01 Dendrophyllia alternata – 1 tube in ethanol, 1 bag dry 

IDA-11-04 Lophelia pertusa – 1 tube in ethanol, 1 bag dry 

IDA-11-05 Madrepora oculata - 1 tube in ethanol, 1 bag dry 

IDA-11-06 Enallopsammia rostrata - 1 tube in ethanol, 1 bag dry 

IDA-11-07 Dendrophyllia alternata – 1 tube in ethanol 

IDA-11-10 Madracis myriaster – 1 bag dry 

Specimens that are not regulated under CITES: 

Miscellaneous Invertebrate samples: 

IDA-11-03 Tube 10 - Octocoral, Corallidae, white 

IDA-11-09 Tube 11 - Sponge, white, thin 

IDA-11-02 Tube 12 – Bryozoa 

IDA-11-08 Tube 13 – Holopus crinoids 

IDA-11-11 2 specimens of lithodid crab Paralomis cubensis; a female and larger male 

Mollusk samples [FM = foot muscle] 

Tube 01 = Perotrochus cf. chalestonensis FM ex living animal. 

Tube 02 = Perotrochus midas FM smallest specimen ex living animal. 

Tube 03 = Perotrochus midas FM second smallest specimen ex living animal. 

Tube 04 = Perotrochus midas FM medium sized, broken specimen ex living animal. 

Tube 05 = Perotrochus midas FM largest specimen ex living animal. 

Tube 06 = Perotrochus quoyanus FM ex living animal. 

Tube 07 = Perotrochus cf. chalestonensis FM ex tissue provided by Karl Stanley 

Tube 08 = Entemnotrochus adansonianus Dive 2 FM ex living animal. 

Tube 09 = Perotrochus quoyanus FM from tissue sample provided by Karl Stanley. 

As per the collecting permit application, up to three samples per species will be deposited into the 

collections of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, where the collecting 

information, catalog number and images of specimens will be available on line. For those samples that 

result in successful sequencing, the sequence data will be made available on GenBank. Specimens 

additional to those permitted to be retained at SI will be returned to the Museo Nacional in Honduras. 
30

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory

Figure A1. Sample IDA-11-01 Dendrophyllia alternata

Figure A2. Sample IDA-11-04 Lophelia pertusa
31

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.)

Figure A3. Sample IDA-11-03 Corallium sp. USNM 1155189 

Figure A4. Sample IDA-11-03 Corallium sp. USNM 1155189 
32

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.)

Figure A5. Sample IDA-11-05 Madrepora oculata

Figure A6. Sample IDA-11-06 Enallopsammia rostrata
33

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.)

Figure A7. Sample IDA-11-07 Dendrophyllia alternata

Figure A8. Sample IDA-11-09 Farrea occa sponge USNM 1155710
34

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.)

Figure A9. Sample IDA-11-10 Madracis myriaster from Old Loafer’s (see Figure 25, right). 

Figure A10. Bayerotrochus midas (Bayer, 1965). Specimen collected on Dive 5, in 1980 ft. Left = in situ, right = 

voucher specimen. Shell diameter = 134 mm.
35

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.) 

Figure A11. Entemnotrochus adansonianus (Crosse & Fischer, 1861) USNM 1155024, Specimen collected on Dive 

2, in 260 ft.. Left = in situ, right = voucher specimen. Shell diameter = 114.3 mm. 

Figure A12. Perotrochus quoyanus (Fischer & Bernardi, 1856) USNM 1155016, Specimen collected on Dive 2, in 

920 ft.. Left = in situ, right = voucher specimen. Shell diameter = 31.0 mm. 
36

Appendix 2. DeepCAST II Biological Sample Photo Inventory (cont.) 

Figure A13. Perotrochus cf. charlestonensis Askew, 1988 USNM 1155019. Specimen collected on Dive 2, in 1180 

ft.. Left = in situ, right = voucher specimen. Shell diameter = 71.6 mm 

Figure A14. Bayerotrochus midas (Bayer, 1965) USNM 1155021. Specimen collected on Dive 2, in 1440 ft. Left = 

in situ, right = voucher specimen. Shell diameter = 72.5 mm. 
37

Appendix 3: DeepCAST II Photo Samples, Inventory of Fishes 

All fish identifications provided courtesy Dr. Steve W. Ross, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. 

Figure A15. Chaunax pictus

Figure A16. Cirrhigaleus asper
38

Appendix 3: DeepCAST II Photo Samples, Inventory of Fishes (cont.) 

Figure A17. Conger eel & bythidid fish 

Figure A18. Epigonid A & bythidid fish 
39

Appendix 3: DeepCAST II Photo Samples, Inventory of Fishes (cont.) 

Figure A19. Grammicolepis brachiusculus

Figure A20. Hexanchus griseus, at 1500 ft, 457 m depth. 
40

Appendix 3: DeepCAST II Photo Samples, Inventory of Fishes (cont.) 

Figure A21. Lophiodes cf beroe

Figure A22. Synagrops sp. 
41

Appendix 3: DeepCAST II Photo Samples, Inventory of Fishes (cont.) 

 Figure A23. Epigonid B 

Figure A24. Gephyroberyx darwini

Not pictured: 

Caranx lugubris cf

Chaunax sp. 

Nezumia cf sp. (see Fig. 6) 

Paralepididae (baracudina) called ‘cutlass fish’, probably Notolepis sp. 

Pterois volitans 
42

Appendix 4. DeepCAST II Participant List 

Dr. Peter J Etnoyer 

Schmidt Ocean Institute Research Fellow 

NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research 

Deep Sea Coral Ecology Project 

219 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412. 

Peter.Etnoyer@noaa.gov 

Dr. Thomas C Shirley 

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 

6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 

Thomas.Shirley@tamucc.edu 

Ms. Kate Lavelle 

Texas A &M University - Corpus Christi 

6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 

katherine.lavelle@tamucc.edu

Dr. Myroslaw G. [Jerry] Harasewych 

Department of Invertebrate Zoology 

National Museum of Natural History 

Smithsonian Institution 

P.O. Box 37012 

Washington, DC 20013-7012 

harasewych@si.edu 

Dr. Anders Sebastian Troëng 

Conservation International 

2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202 

s.troeng@conservation.org

Mr. William Laney Thornton 

San Francisco, CA 

Ms. Anne Chapman Thornton 

San Francisco, CA 

Captain Karl Stanley 

Roatán Institute for Dive Exploration 

Designer, builder, pilot of Idabel submarine 

karl@stanleysubmarines.com 
43

Members	of	the	DeepCAST	II	Expedition	(left	to	right):	Peter	Etnoyer,	Jerry	Harasewych,	Thomas	

Shirley,	Anne	Chapman	Thornton,	Karl	Stanley,	Kathryn	Lavelle,	Anders	Sebastian Troëng,	William	

(Laney)	Thornton.	
United States Department of Commerce 

Rebecca Blank

 Acting Secretary 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Jane Lubchenco 

Under Secretary of 

Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, 

NOAA Administrator 

National Ocean Service 

 David Kennedy 

 Assistant Administrator