Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities - Habitat Assessment and Evaluation
Implementing Organization
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; US Department of the Interior
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$52,639,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Benthic Zone/Sea Floor
Project Description
The life histories, diversity, and population structures of Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Community (MDBC) species in the Gulf of Mexico are not well understood. The goal of this project is to fill those data gaps, determine baseline conditions and characterize key community conditions at both injured and reference sites. This project will support and inform restoration planning and implementation for MDBC through strategically designed field surveys, with subsequent laboratory-based analyses of MDBC components and interactions. The surveys will yield the types of samples that support determinations of ages, growth rates, and reproductive potential of mesophotic and deep water corals, as well as their health and condition. In addition, the project will maximize the effectiveness of MDBC restoration and protection efforts through the use of population genetic analysis methods. The project results will fill critical gaps in our understanding of the biology, ecology, health, biodiversity, recovery, and resilience of mesophotic and deep-sea habitats (corals and soft sediments) following the Deepwater Horizon spill. This project will be adaptively managed throughout its seven to eight year timeframe.
Contact
Kristopher Benson(409) 621-1200
kristopher.benson@noaa.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/