Mapping and Characterization of Deep Sea Coral Ecosystems off the Coast of Florida 2005

With the continuing global depletion of coastal fisheries, commercial fishing vessels are moving into deeper water and exploiting fish and crustacean species that are frequently associated with complex coral structures. Deep-sea coral ecosystems (DSCE) exist at numerous locations around the coast of Florida. These coral communities provide habitat for relatively unknown but highly diverse assemblages of fish and invertebrates, many of which are undoubtedly undescribed species. There is therefore an urgent need to identify these coral habitats, map their distribution and abundance, and document any potentially valuable fishery species associated with them. Resource managers can use this information to develop conservation policy and scientists can use it as a foundation for hypothesis driven ecological and physiological research. Since deepwater reefs are not visible to the general public, dissemination of information through the media and the education system is vital in order to create empathy for their protection. The overarching objective of this proposal is to increase the current understanding of deep-water coral habitats along Florida's coasts. Primary objectives use shipboard technology and the JSL submersible to map coral distribution and characterize communities (particularly commercial fisheries' species) found in association with high-relief geological features in four regions of interest: the base of the Florida-Hatteras Slope, the Miami and Pourtal's Terraces, and the SW Florida shelf slope. Secondary objectives address aspects of coral biology, diversity and biogeography of associated fauna, and microbial ecology. The proposed research will not only provide important information about the deepwater coral ecosystems off the Florida coast, but also contains a significant outreach element.