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Worlds colliding: DEEPEND pelagic program expands to deep-reef environments to examine benthopelagic coupling
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Worlds colliding: DEEPEND pelagic program expands to deep-reef environments to examine benthopelagic coupling

The DEEPEND (Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics; www.deependconsortium.org) program has been studying the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic fauna of the Gulf of Mexico for the last 14 years (and counting). Given the progress made offshore, we are excited to announce an addition to the DEEPEND research portfolio, a detailed examination of the interactions of mesopelagic and deep-benthic (particularly deep coral) assemblages along the outer continental slope.

 

This new activity, entitled “Deep-Sea Benefits,” will begin field surveys in Sep 2024 and extend four years in total (news release can be found here). This project will run parallel to, and integrate data from, DEEPEND’s sustained sampling further offshore. It will also integrate research efforts from existing “Mesophotic and Deep Benthic” projects in the Gulf (e.g., benthic lander observations, ROV surveys), as well as with concurrent oceanic cetacean studies (e.g., passive acoustic monitoring, airborne observation). We anticipate the end goal to be an integrated assessment of vertical connectivity in one of the most dynamic deep-sea ecotypes in the World Ocean. All future DEEPEND and DEEPEND|Deep-Sea Benefits cruises will be badged under the Challenger 150 project (challenger150.world) North Atlantic Working Group. As always, we welcome input and will be happy to support as many collaborative efforts as possible.

 

Example echogram of a mesopelagic deep-scatteing layer “splatting” into deep-benthic habitat in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Image courtesy of Kevin Boswell/DEEPEND.