Atlantic Canyons: Pathways to the Abyss
A stunning video, Atlantic Canyons: Pathways to the Abyss, documents a major NOPP collaboration between BOEM, USGS and NOAA as well as academic partners and CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. A three year expedition (2011-2013) succeeded in characterizing the Baltimore and Norfolk deep water canyons off of the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast in order to ensure protection of its benthic ecosystems while preparing for possible oil and gas exploration. Some of the major research findings included high densities of corals, including some that were previously unknown in the area, over 125 species of fish, large chemosynthetic mussel communities, historically significant shipwrecks and a wealth of oceanographic data. This new understanding of deep water ecosystems will improve our ability to responsibly manage our deep water ocean resources.
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