Cruise Report 

NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2 

(June 1-12, 2004) 

“A Pilot Survey of Deepwater Coral/Sponge Assemblages and their 

Susceptibility to Fishing/Harvest Impacts at the Olympic Coast National 

Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS)” 

By 

Jeffrey Hyland and Cynthia Cooksey 

NOAA/NOS, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal 

Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR), Charleston SC 

And 

Ed Bowlby and Mary Sue Brancato 

NOAA/NOS National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), Olympic Coast National Marine 

Sanctuary (OCNMS), Port Angeles, WA

[Also see list of other collaborating scientists in Section 4 of this report] 

December 2004 

NOAA NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION 
SUMMARY 

The offshore shelf and canyon habitats of the OCNMS (Fig. 1) are areas of high primary 

productivity and biodiversity that support extensive groundfish fisheries. Recent acoustic 

surveys conducted in these waters have indicated the presence of hard-bottom substrates believed 

to harbor unique deep-sea coral and sponge assemblages. Such fauna are often associated with 

shallow tropical waters, however an increasing number of studies around the world have 

recorded them in deeper, cold-water habitats in both northern and southern latitudes. These 

habitats are of tremendous value as sites of recruitment for commercially important fishes. Yet, 

ironically, studies have shown how the gear used in offshore demersal fishing, as well as other 

commercial operations on the seafloor, can cause severe physical disturbances to resident benthic 

fauna. Due to their exposed structure, slow growth and recruitment rates, and long life spans, 

deep-sea corals and sponges may be especially vulnerable to such disturbances, requiring very 

long periods to recover. Potential effects of fishing and other commercial operations in such 

critical habitats, and the need to define appropriate strategies for the protection of these 

resources, have been identified as a high-priority management issue for the sanctuary. 

To begin addressing this issue, an initial pilot survey was conducted June 1-12, 2004 at six sites 

in offshore waters of the OCNMS (Fig. 2, average depths of 147-265 m) to explore for the 

presence of deep-sea coral/sponge assemblages and to look for evidence of potential 

anthropogenic impacts in these critical habitats. The survey was conducted on the NOAA Ship 

McARTHUR-II using the Navy’s Phantom DHD2+2 remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which 

was equipped with a video camera, lasers, and a manipulator arm for the collection of voucher 

specimens. At each site, a 0.1-m2

 grab sampler also was used to collect samples of sediments for 

the analysis of macroinfauna (> 1.0 mm), total organic carbon (TOC), grain size, and chemical 

contaminants. Vertical profiles of salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and pressure 

were recorded at each site with a small SeaCat conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profiler. 

Niskin bottles attached to the CTD also obtained near-bottom water samples in support of a 

companion study of microbial indicators of coral health and general ecological condition across 

these sites. All samples except the sediment-contaminant samples are being analyzed with 

present project funds. 

Original cruise plans included a total of 12 candidate stations to investigate (Fig. 3). However, 

inclement weather and equipment failures restricted the sampling to half of these sites. In spite 

of the limited sampling, the work completed was sufficient to address key project objectives and 

included several significant scientific observations. Foremost, the cruise was successful in 

demonstrating the presence of target deepwater coral species in these waters. Patches of the rare 

stony coral Lophelia pertusa, more characteristic of deepwater coral/sponge assemblages in the 

North Atlantic, were observed for the first time in OCNMS at a site in 271 meters of water. A 

large proportion of these corals consisted of dead and broken skeletal remains, and a broken 

gorgonian (soft coral) also was observed nearby. The source of these disturbances is not known. 

However, observations from several sites included evidence of bottom trawl marks in the 

sediment and derelict fishing gear (long lines). Preliminary results also support the view that 

these areas are important reservoirs of marine biodiversity and of value as habitat for demersal 

fishes. For example, onboard examination of 18 bottom sediment grabs revealed benthic 

infaunal species representative of 14 different invertebrate phyla. Twenty-eight species of fishes 

2
from 11 families, including 11 (possibly 12) species of commercially important rockfishes, also 

were identified from ROV video footage. 

These initial discoveries have sparked considerable interests in follow-up studies to learn more 

about the spatial extent of these assemblages and magnitude of potential impacts from 

commercial-fishing and other anthropogenic activities in the area. Based on the results thus far, 

the Pacific Fishery Management Council already has submitted recommendations to the NMFS 

for a resolution (preliminary DEIS/EFH for groundfish, December 2004) to place a temporary 

ban on non-tribal commercial-trawling operations in the northern half of the sanctuary, where 

hard-bottom habitat suitable for the growth of corals is highly concentrated. It is essential to 

expand our knowledge of these deep-sea communities and their vulnerability to potential 

environmental risks in order to determine the most appropriate management strategies. 

The survey was conducted under a partnership between NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal 

Ocean Science (NCCOS) and National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) and included 

scientists from NCCOS, OCNMS, and several other west-coast State, academic, private, and 

tribal research institutions (see Section 4 for a complete listing of participating scientists). 

Additional copies of this cruise report can be obtained by contacting:

1. Dr. Jeffrey Hyland 

NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCEHBR

219 Fort Johnson Road 

Charleston, South Carolina 29412-9110 

Telephone: 843/762-8652 (Direct); 843/762-8511 (Switchboard); Fax: 843/762-8700 

Email: jeff.hyland@noaa.gov

2. Ed Bowlby 

NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary 

115 East Railroad Ave., Suite 301 

Port Angeles, WA 98362 

Telephone: 360/457-6622, Ext 17 

Email: ed.bowlby@noaa.gov

3
1.0 Introduction 

The offshore shelf and canyon habitats of the OCNMS (Fig. 1) are areas of high primary 

productivity and biodiversity that support extensive groundfish fisheries. In addition, recent 

acoustic and bottom-profile surveys conducted in these areas suggest the presence of hardbottom substrates believed to harbor unique deep-water coral and sponge assemblages. Such 

fauna are often associated with shallow tropical waters, however an increasing number of studies 

around the world have recorded them in deeper, cold-water habitats in both northern and 

southern latitudes. These habitats are of tremendous value as sites of recruitment for 

commercially important fishes. A growing management concern is that extensive bottomtrawling and other anthropogenic activities within sanctuary waters may be having significant 

harmful effects on these unique and valuable resources. Prior studies have shown how the gear 

used in offshore demersal fishing, as well as other commercial operations on the seafloor (such 

as cable trenching), can cause severe physical disturbances to resident benthic fauna (e.g., NRC 

2002, NOAA/USGS/AFS/ESA 2002). Moreover, due to their exposed structure, slow growth 

and recruitment rates, and long life spans, deep-sea corals and sponges may be especially 

vulnerable to such disturbances, requiring very long periods to recover. OCNMS has a critical 

need to explore and document these resources in order to provide enhanced protection to such 

critical and sensitive habitats. Accordingly, the present survey set out to document the presence 

of deep-sea coral/sponge assemblages within sanctuary waters and to look for evidence of their 

potential risk to fishing and other anthropogenic impacts, and thus possible need of more 

protective zoning. 

This study was supported by FY04 funds under a partnership established in 1999 between 

NCCOS and NMSP to promote research aimed at addressing critical sanctuary management 

needs. Zoning, fishing/harvest effects, and characterization of living marine resources have been 

identified as three of the highest-priority management issues for the OCNMS, based on a recent 

evaluation of information needs for the NMS program (Gittings et al. 2002) and have been 

ranked as major concerns in recent national forums (NRC 2002, NOAA/USGS/AFS/ESA 2002). 

The present study was designed to address all three of these management needs. Zoning and 

fishing/harvest effects, in particular, have been noted as warranting the greatest increase in 

research activity (Table OC-2, from Gittings et al. 2002). In addition, condition of critical 

habitat, and comparisons of impacts in areas of high and low fishing intensity, were identified as 

high-priority endpoints for four of five west-coast sanctuaries. Thus, the present study is 

addressing sanctuary-wide management needs common to the broader region. 

2.0 Objectives 

Specific objectives of the study are: 

• To help address resource management questions of the OCNMS by conducting a study to 

document the presence of critical hard-bottom benthic habitats believed to exist in 

deepwater areas of the sanctuary (based on acoustic habitat surveys and bottom profiles). 

These habitats are thought to contain diverse and unique assemblages of corals, sponges, 

and other associated fauna that may be particularly vulnerable to human disturbances; 

• To groundtruth the previous acoustic survey records by confirming the presence of these 

habitats; 

4
• To characterize the diversity, abundances, and health of living marine resources 

associated with both hard-bottom and soft-bottom substrates in these areas;

• To evaluate fishing/harvest pressures on these critical habitats and their associated fauna 

in areas of low and high fishing intensity; 

• To generate GIS-compatible data on critical habitat, associated species of concern, and 

basic habitat types in these areas to support future biogeographic mapping efforts; and 

• To provide support to sanctuary-wide interests on the west coast to address such topics as 

condition of critical habitats, and fishing/harvest impacts in these areas, which have been 

identified as unique regional needs for the majority of west-coast sanctuaries. 

3.0 Methods 

To begin addressing the above objectives, an initial pilot survey was conducted on June 1-12, 

2004 at six offshore sites within the OCNMS (average station depths of 147-265 m) in areas 

believed to contain critical hard-bottom substrate inhabited by the targeted coral and sponge 

species (Fig. 2, Table 1). Stations in Table 1 include areas of both high and low fishing intensity 

to support the evaluation of fishing impacts on these critical habitats and associated fauna. 

Information used to select these stations came from commercial-fishing records and results of 

previous acoustic and bottom-profile surveys conducted by the OCNMS and other agencies. 

Original cruise plans included a total of 12 candidate stations to investigate (Fig. 3, Table 2). 

However, inclement weather and equipment failures limited the sampling to the six stations 

listed in Table 1. 

The survey was conducted on NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2. The ship 

(Fig. 4) is 224-feet long with cruising speed of 11 knots, an endurance of 8000 nm and 45 days at 

sea, and accommodations for a scientific party of up to 15. The ship supported all sampling 

activities including the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), bottom grabs, and CTD 

profiles. 

Sampling of hard-bottom epifaunal assemblages (inclusive of targeted coral and sponge species) 

was conducted with underwater photography using the Navy’s Phantom DHD2+2 ROV (Fig. 5) 

equipped with a video camera, lasers, and a manipulator arm for the collection of voucher 

specimens. At each site, the ROV was deployed along a random transect, with the video camera 

being used both to fly the vehicle and to obtain photographic footage of bottom substrates and 

associated fauna. Using the tilt mechanism, footage was obtained of vertical surfaces along 

high-relief structures as well as flatter low-relief areas. Especially interesting organisms and 

other objects were recorded and time-coded. Any visual evidence of fishing impacts (e.g., trawl 

scars, broken coral or sponge parts, derelict gear) in the video images were noted as well. Also, 

random still photo-frames will be obtained subsequently from the footage and used to help 

provide quantified estimates of various benthic attributes on an areal basis (e.g., % cover, 

density/m2

, # species/m2). The original plan was to supplement this latter effort with random

photo-quadrat samples using digital-still photographs; however, design constraints of the smallsized Phantom ROV precluded the simultaneous use of a video camera, manipulator arm, and 

separate still camera. Initial processing of photographic samples began onboard the ship (i.e., 

preliminary species identifications where possible). The ROV’s manipulator arm was used 

5
where possible to obtain epifaunal voucher specimens and to collect samples of corals in support 

of a companion study of coral health (see below). 

In addition to the ROV operations, a 0.1-m2

 grab sampler also was used to collect samples of 

sediments for the analysis of macroinfauna (> 1.0 mm), total organic carbon (TOC), grain size, 

and chemical contaminants. At each of the six stations, three replicate grabs were collected for 

macroinfaunal analysis and one additional grab was collected and sub-sampled for the remaining 

abiotic environmental parameters. As part of the QA/QC procedures, samples that had 

undergone significant slumping or loss of material through the jaws of the grab (e.g., samples 

with a sediment layer < 5cm) were rejected. Acceptable macroinfaunal samples were live-sieved 

onboard through a 1.0-mm screen, placed in adequate/securable plastic containers with lids, and 

preserved in 10% buffered formalin. Samples for the analysis of sediment grain size and TOC 

were sub-sampled from composited surface sediment (upper 3-5 cm) collected from the 

additional grab at each station. The surface layer of sediment was removed from the grab with a 

scoop, placed in a bowl, and mixed. A TOC sub-sample was then removed from the 

homogenized sample and placed in a 125-mL plastic jar with lid and stored frozen (-20°C). An 

additional sub-sample for grain-size analysis was removed from the homogenate and placed in a 

500-mL plastic jar with lid and stored frozen (-20°C). All samples were appropriately labeled 

with pertinent information on the project, station/replicate ID, and sample type. All samples 

except the sediment contaminant samples are being analyzed with present project funds. The 

contaminant samples will be archived and analyzed subsequently pending availability of funds. 

Vertical profiles of salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and pressure were recorded at 

each site with a small SeaCat CTD (conductivity, temperature, density). Niskin bottles attached 

to the CTD rosette also obtained near-bottom water samples in support of the companion study 

of microbial indicators of coral health and general ecological condition across these sites. 

As mentioned above, samples of corals were collected where possible with the manipulator arm

of the ROV to provide material in support of a companion coral-health study at the 

NCCOS/CCEHBR lab in Charleston, SC (led by Dr. Cheryl Woodley and her assistant Sarah 

Polson). Ongoing studies have led to the development of a variety of novel biomolecular and 

microbial approaches to assessing the health of corals. In efforts to bring this expertise to bear in 

the present study, samples for analysis of corals and associated microbial indicators were 

collected where possible at our sampling sites and provided to Dr. Woodley’s laboratory for 

subsequent analysis. The material included samples of the stony coral Lophelia pertusa from

one station (Station 3 at 271 m) and samples of sediment and near-bottom water from all six 

stations. Baseline information on the health of corals associated with these critical habitats 

would be a valuable contribution to the objectives of this study and goals of the sanctuary. 

Data from the present study also will be made available to support other future research efforts at

the sanctuary, such as GIS-based biogeographic habitat mapping to be conducted in future years 

through another NCCOS/OCNMS collaboration. Information on critical habitat, associated 

living marine resources, and potential fishing impacts in these areas should serve as valuable 

input data for this subsequent mapping effort. 

4.0 Sampling Logistics and Scientific Party 

6
The survey was conducted on NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2, June 1-12, 

2004. Mobilization of sampling equipment, including the Navy’s Phantom DHD2+2 ROV, 

occurred in Port Angeles, WA on June 1-2. The ship departed Port Angeles the evening of June 

2 and arrived at the first station (11) in the southern end of the study area mid-morning June 3. 

At-sea operations were conducted June 3-10, during which sampling was completed at the six 

stations listed in Table 1. Field operations were conducted on an 18-hr/day basis. As feasible, 

daytime operations (0800 – 2000) were devoted primarily to the ROV work, while nighttime 

operations (2000 – 0200) were devoted to CTD profiling and sediment grab sampling. The ship 

returned to Port Angeles the evening of June 10, at which time de-mobilization of all non-ROV 

scientific crew and equipment occurred. The ship then departed Port Angeles that same evening 

for Seattle and arrived at the MOC-Pacific home port in Seattle during early morning June 11. 

Final de-mobilization of the ROV systems occurred on June 12. Further details of these 

activities are summarized in the Activity Log (Table 3). 

This survey was conducted under a partnership between NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal 

Ocean Science (NCCOS) and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) and included 

scientists from NCCOS, OCNMS, and several other west-coast state, academic, private, and 

tribal research institutions. A listing of scientific party members and their affiliations is given in 

Table 4. 

5.0 Preliminary Results 

Original cruise plans included a total of 12 candidate stations to investigate (Fig. 3, Table 2). 

However, inclement weather and equipment failures restricted the sampling to half of these sites 

(Fig. 2, Table 1). In spite of the limited sampling, the work completed was sufficient to address 

key project objectives and included several significant scientific observations. Foremost, the 

cruise was successful in demonstrating the presence of target deepwater coral/sponge 

assemblages in these waters. Patches of the stony coral Lophelia pertusa (Fig. 6) were observed 

on a rocky ledge at one site (Station 3) in 271 meters of water. Near-bottom water temperature 

and salinity at this site were 6.5 0

C and 33.94 psu, respectively (Table 5). Samples of the coral 

were collected with the ROV manipulator arm and brought back to use as taxonomic voucher 

specimens and in support of the companion coral-health study. Initial identification of the coral 

as Lophelia was made in the field by Dr. Alan Kohn, one of the onboard taxonomy specialists, 

and later confirmed by Dr. Stephen Cairns of the Smithsonian Institution. A related observation 

also of importance was that a large proportion of these corals consisted of dead and broken 

skeletal remains. A broken gorgonian (soft coral) also was observed on the seafloor nearby (Fig. 

7). The exact source of these disturbances is not known. However, observations from several of 

the sites (Stations 1, 3, and 11) included accounts of bottom trawl marks in the sediment and 

derelict fishing gear (long lines; Fig. 8). 

Preliminary results of the survey also support the view that these areas are important reservoirs 

of marine biodiversity. For example, initial onboard visual examination of just 18 bottom

sediment grabs (0.1 m2

 each) revealed benthic infaunal species representative of 14 different 

invertebrate phyla. These included foraminiferan Protozoa, Porifera, Cnidaria (hydrozoans and 

anthozoans), Nemertea, Annelida (polychaetes), Mollusca (gastropods, bivalves, scaphopods, 

7
chitons), Arthropoda (crustaceans), Sipunculida (peanut worms), Echiura, Ectoprocta 

(bryozoans), Brachiopoda (lamp shells), Echinodermata (ophiuroids, holothuroids, echinoids), 

Hemichordata (acorn worm Soccoglossus), and Chordata (Urochordata tunicates). One rock (15 

cm by 15 cm), caught accidentally in the jaws of a grab, had species from nine different phyla 

living on it. Many species of epifaunal invertebrates also were observed from the ROV video 

footage of rock outcrop and adjacent seafloor throughout the study area. These included 

hydrozoans, sponges, anemones, gorgonians, sea pens, tubicolous polychaetes, nudibranchs, 

decapod crustaceans, bryozoans, brachiopods, crinoids (Flourometra), sea urchins, starfish, and 

ophiuroids. 

Rocky reefs such as the ones surveyed here can be of tremendous value as habitat for demersal 

fishes that congregate in these areas for food and shelter. Numerous species of fishes (28) were 

observed in the present ROV video footage, including 11 (possibly 12) species of the 

commercially important rockfish guild, family Scorpaenidae (Table 6). Rosethorn rockfish 

(Sebastes helvomaculatus), sharpchin rockfish (S. zacentrus) and thornyheads (Sebastolobus

altivelis and possibly S. alascanus) were the most abundant of the rockfishes. Other families 

identified thus far include Pleuronectidae (flatfish), Bothidae (sanddabs), Zoarcidae (eelpouts), 

Agonidae (poachers), Bathymasteridae (ronquils), Stichaeidae (pricklebacks), Rajidae (skates), 

Hexagrammidae (lingcod), Myxinidae (hagfish), and Chimaeridae (ratfish). 

The survey also produced at least one species of marine invertebrates new to science. A 

previously undescribed species of nudibranch (sea slug) was collected in a grab sample from

Station 4. The slug (Fig. 9) was 22 mm long and found sitting on its egg mass. Dr. Jeff 

Goddard, one of the onboard taxonomic specialists, is credited for recognizing it as being a 

potentially new species of dorid nubibranch. Dr. Sandra Millen of the University of British 

Columbia later confirmed it to be a new species of the dorid genus Baptodoris. 

General oceanographic conditions among the various stations, based on results of the CTD 

profiles and visual inspection of bottom grabs, are summarized in Table 5. Station depths, 

averaged across replicate grab locations at each station, ranged from 147 m (Station 4) to 265 m

(Station 3). Bottom sediments typically consisted of gray muds with varying degrees of gravel, 

rock, and shell hash. Near-bottom salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from

33.84–33.97 psu, 6.5–7.1 0

C, and 2.46–3.31 mg/L, respectively. 

The above preliminary observations will be supplemented with results from follow-up analyses 

of the video footage (for epifaunal variables) and the grab samples (for infaunal and abiotic 

sediment variables). As mentioned above, in spite of the downtime caused by poor weather and 

equipment failures, the survey was highly successful in gathering sufficient information and 

samples to begin addressing program objectives focused on critical sanctuary management 

needs. Still, additional future studies will be required to further document the spatial extent of

these critical habitats and their potential susceptibility to human activities. 

6.0 Acknowledgements 

Financial support for this study is provided by FY04 funds through the NCCOS-ONMS 

Partnership Agreement (NCCOS Proposal 04-2). All members of the scientific crew (Table 4) 

8
are to be commended for their high level of technical expertise, teamwork and dedication to 

getting the required sampling completed. Special appreciation also is extended to the officers 

and crew of the NOAA Ship McARTHUR II for their superb job performed on Cruise AR-04-

04: Leg 2. 

7.0 References 

Gittings et al. 2002. Sanctuary science: Evaluation of status and information needs, 

NOAA/ONMS, Silver Springs, MD. 

National Research Council (NRC). 2002. Effects of trawling and dredging on seafloor habitat. 

National Academy Press, Washington. 126 pp. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 

American Fisheries Society (AFS), and Ecological Society of America (ESA). 2002. 

“Symposium on Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats: Linking Geology, 

Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management.” November 12 – 14, 2002, Tampa, FL. 

9
Table 1. Locations of sampling stations for NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 

2. Stations are classified by low vs. high categories of anticipated fishing activity based on 

commercial-fishing records. Water depths are averages of values recorded for replicate grab 

locations at each station.

Station Expected Level

of Fishing 

Intensity 

Latitude Longitude Average 

Depth (m) 

OC04001 High 48°14.970' -125°0.793' 214 

OC04003 High 48°9.415' -124°59.979' 265 

OC04004 Low 48°7.635' -125°3.767' 147 

OC04005 Low 48°6.732' -125°8.626' 209 

OC04011 High 47°17.564' -124°47.524' 241 

OC04013 Low 48°6.552' -125°3.878' 161 

10
Table 2. Locations of original 12 candidate sampling sites. Stations are classified by low vs. 

high categories of anticipated fishing activity. Other rationale for the selection of these sites is 

included in the comment column. 

Station Expected Level of 

Fishing Intensity 

Latitude Longitude Comments* 

OC04001 High 48°14.970' -125°0.793' GT 

OC04002 Low 48°0.714' -125°19.321' ND 

OC04003 High 48°9.415' -124°59.979' ND/SSS 

OC04004 Low 48°7.635' -125°3.767' GT 

OC04005 Low 48°6.732' -125°8.626' ND/SSS 

OC04006 High 48°15.901' -125°0.809' GT 

OC04007 High 48°9.077' -125°4.997' GT 

OC04008 Low 48°22.283' -124°59.673' ND/SSS 

OC04009 Low 48°14.536' -125°9.080' GT 

OC04010 Low 48°19.982' -125°2.624' GT 

OC04011 High 47°17.564' -124°47.524' ND/SSS 

OC04012 High 47°46.126' -125°4.191' ND 

Comments*

GT = Groundtruth. In addition to being a good candidate coral/sponge site based on evidence of 

hard-bottom substrate from previous acoustic and bottom-profile surveys, the site also 

fulfilled the need to groundtruth results of these latter habitat mapping surveys. 

ND = No prior acoustic-survey data. Other information, however, suggested these would be 

potential sites. 

ND/SSS = No prior historical data, but new side-scan-sonar data were to be provided for these 

sites from surveys conducted on the companion Leg 1 of Cruise AR-04-04. 

11
Table 3. Activity log for NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2. 

Date Time Activity

6/01/04 All day Begin mobilization of ROV 

and related equipment in Port 

Angeles (PA), WA

6/02/04 0800-1930 Continue mobilization of

ROV in addition to other nonROV scientific equipment, 

supplies & staff. Depart PA 

1930 for Station 11 at 

southern end of study area. 

6/03/04 1000 Arrive Station 11. 

1000-1200 Prepare ROV for launch. 

1200-1500 Attempted ROV Dive 1 at 

Station 11; ops aborted due to 

equipment failure. 

1530-1900 Bottom grabs & CTD at 

Station 11. 

6/04/04 0850-1105 ROV Dive 2 at Station 11; 

dive aborted at 1105 due to 

equipment failure 

1300-1635 Additional bottom grabs & 

CTD taken at “Station 11A” 

near Dive 2 rock outcrop 

observed at Station 11. Steam

to Station 5. 

2242-0041 (6/05/04) Bottom grabs & CTD at 

Station 5. 

6/05/04 0800-1151 ROV Dive 3 at Station 5. 

1230-1300 Bathymetric/fathometer

survey of Station 5 (to search 

for relief change). Transit to 

Station 3. 

1420-2000 ROV Dive 4 at Station 3. 

6/06/04 0915-1840 ROV Dive 5 at Station 1 

1950-2415 Bottom grabs & CTD at 

Station 3 

6/08/04 0800-1730 Standby for safe weather 

window for ROV ops. 

Attempt to repair ROV 

compass. 

1748-2242 ROV Dive 7 at Station 11 

6/09/04 0830-1145 ROV Dive 8 @ Station 13 

1245-1540 Bottom grabs & CTD at 

12
Station 13. Steam to Station 

9A (close to original candidate 

Station 9) and standby for rest 

of night. 

6/10/04 0800-1045 Continue standby for safe 

weather window for ROV ops. 

Abort wait due to continued 

poor weather. Steam to new 

optional Station 14 in Straits 

of Juan de Fuca (off Cape 

Flattery) & evaluate 

conditions. Attempt to sample 

here aborted as well due to 

weather. Steam to PA & 

arrive ~1700. 

~1700-2000 Demobilize all non-ROV

scientific equipment, supplies, 

& staff in PA. Depart for 

Seattle. 

6/11/04 Early a.m. Ship arrive MOC-Pacific 

facility in Seattle. 

6/12/04 Morning Demobilize ROV equipment

& staff. 

13
Table 4. List of scientific crew members and affiliations for NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise 

AR-04-04: Leg 2. Scientists Hyland and Bowlby (flagged with asterisks) served as Co-Chief 

Scientists and can be contacted for further details of the cruise. 

Name Affiliation Contact

Bowlby, Ed* NOAA/OCNMS ed.bowlby@noaa.gov

Brancato, Mary Sue NOAA/OCNMS, Port 

Angeles, WA 

mary.sue.brancato@noaa.gov

Bryant, Brandon Makah Fisheries Dept., Neah 

Bay, WA

BrandonLeeBryant@hotmail.com

Cooksey, Cindy NOAA/NCCOS/CCEHBR, 

Charleston, SC 

cynthia.cooksey@noaa.gov

Crawford, Todd U.S. Navy, Naval Facilities 

Engineering Service Center 

(NFESC), Port Hueneme, CA 

michael.t.crawford@navy.mil

Goddard, Jeff U.C. Santa Barbara, Santa 

Barbara, CA 

goddard@lifesci.ucsb.edu

Hagen, Jennifer Northwest Indian Fisheries 

Commission, Forks, WA 

jhagen@nwifc.org

Hyland, Jeff* NOAA/NCCOS/CCEHBR,

Charleston, SC 

jeff.hyland@noaa.gov

Kohn, Alan U. of Washington, Seattle, 

WA 

kohn@u.washington.edu

Martin, Darrell Consultant to Navy/NFESC omeletboy@earthlink.net

Morgan, Lance Marine Conservation Biology 

Institute, Port Angeles, WA 

lance@mcbi.org

Pirtle, Jodi WSU, Vancouver pirtle@vancouver.wsu.edu

Polson, Sara NOAA/NCCOS/CCEHBR, 

Charleston, SC 

polson@musc.edu

Schwarck, Nate Western Washington 

University, Anacortes, WA 

schwarn@cc.wwu.edu

14
Table 5. General oceanographic conditions among sampling stations based on results of CTD 

profiles and visual inspection of bottom grabs. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen 

(DO) are values for near-bottom water from the CTD. Water depths for each station include two 

sets of values: (1) values recorded directly from the CTD at the site of the CTD profile, and (2) 

average of values recorded for replicate grab locations at each station (as in Table 1). 

Station Depth

(m)1

Depth 

(m)2

Salinity 

(psu) 

Temperature 

(°C) 

DO 

(mg/L) 

Sediment 

Type 

OC04001 194.7 214 33.9286 6.5 2.63155 Gray mud

with gravel 

& shell 

OC04003 256.7 265 33.9432 6.5 2.46381 Gray mud

with rock 

OC04004* - 147 - - - Gray mud

with gravel 

& shell 

OC04005 187.0 209 33.8924 6.7 2.9062 Gray sticky

mud 

OC04011 217.7 241 33.9677 6.8 2.7343 Gray mud

OC04013 189.7 161 33.8449 7.1 3.3070 Gray mud

with gravel 

& shell 

*Note: Near-bottom data from the CTD at Station OC04004 were not available for inclusion in 

this report due to a problem with the record for that particular depth interval. However, data 

recorded at a depth of 32 m below the surface at that station included salinity of 32.4 psu, 

temperature of 9.2 °C, and DO of 8.3 mg/L. 

15
Table 6. Demersal fish species identified from ROV video footage on NOAA Ship 

McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2. 

Family Scientific Name Common Name 

Scorpaenidae Sebastes helvomaculatus Rosethorn rockfish 

Sebastes zacentrus Sharpchin rockfish 

Sebastes elongatus Greenstripe rockfish 

Sebastes flavidus Yellowtail rockfish 

Sebastes aurora Aurora rockfish 

Sebastes ruberrimus Yelloweye rockfish 

Sebastes babcocki Redbanded rockfish 

Sebastes aleutianus Rougheye rockfish 

Sebastes nigrocinctus Tiger rockfish 

Sebastes borealis Shortraker rockfish 

Sebastolobus altivelis Longspine thornyhead 

Sebastolobus alascanus (?) Shortspine thornyhead 

Pleuronectidae Microstomus pacificus Dover sole 

Eopsetta jordani Petrale sole 

Hippoglossoides elassodon Flathead sole 

Hippoglossus stenolepis Pacific halibut 

Atheresthes stomias Arrowtooth flounder 

Bothidae Citharichthys sordidus Pacific sanddab 

Zoarcidae Spp Eelpouts

Agonidae Spp Poachers

Bathymasteridae Spp Ronquils

Stichaeidae Spp Pricklebacks

Rajidae Raja binoculata Big skate 

Raja rhina Longnose skate 

Bathyraja kincaidii Sandpaper skate 

Hexagrammidae Ophiodon elongatus Lingcod 

Myxinidae Eptatretus stoutii Pacific hagfish 

Chimaeridae Hydrolagus colliei Spotted ratfish 

16
Figure 1. Map of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS). 

17
Figure 2. Study area in offshore waters of the OCNMS, showing location of sampling stations 

for NOAA Ship McARTHUR II Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2. Red triangles = Stations in areas of 

high fishing intensity; Green triangles = Stations in areas of low fishing intensity. 

18
Figure 3. Study area showing location of all 12 original candidate sampling stations. Red 

triangles = Primary stations in areas of high fishing intensity; Green triangles = primary stations 

in areas of low fishing intensity; Circles = alternative stations; Diagonals = Side Scan Sonar 

areas surveyed during the companion Leg 1 cruise to help confirm suitable hard-bottom sites. 

19
Figure 4. Photograph of NOAA Ship McARTHUR II used on Cruise AR-04-04: Leg 2. 

20
Figure 5. Onboard view of the Navy’s Phantom DHD2+2 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). 

The ROV is equipped with video camera, lasers, and a manipulator arm.

21
Figure 6. A dense field of the stony coral Lophelia pertusa, characteristic of deepwater coral 

assemblages in the North Atlantic, was observed at OCNMS for the first time during this survey 

at a site in 271 meters of water (left photo). Right photo: Close up of specimen collected with 

ROV manipulator arm.

Figure 7. Left Photo: Live gorgonian (soft coral) with attached crinoids observed at OCNMS at 

276 m, June 2004. Right Photo: Broken specimen found at 268 m, with rosethorn rockfish 

(Sebastes helvomaculatus) in foreground. 

22
Figure 8. Long-line fishing gear with lure on 

seafloor at OCNMS. Laser points near rockfish 

at top of view are 10 cm apart. 

Figure 9. A new species of Baptodoris

(Gastropoda, Nudibranchia) collected in a grab 

sample from Station 4. The slug was 22 mm 

long and found sitting on its egg mass (visible 

at left side of animal). Photo by Dr. Jeff 

Goddard. 

23