Topic 3. Exploration and Research of Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Hard Bottom Habitats and Shipwrecks with Emphasis on Canyons and Coral Communities
Atlantic Deepwater Canyons
Lead PI: Mr. Stephen Viada, CSA International Inc.
The study will focus on the exploration and investigation of deepwater coral and hard bottom communities and shipwreck sites off Virginia and Maryland. These studies will result in the discovery of new coral areas and other significant canyon habitats and address processes controlling their distribution, abundance, and ecological functions. Selected shipwreck sites will be studied to determine their historical significance and their ecological function as artificial hard substrata.
Number of Years: 4
Requested Funds: $2,999,879
Partners:
- University of North Carolina-Wilmington
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
- University of Louisiana
- Bangor University
- Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ)
- Texas A&M University
- NOAA
- Hecker Consulting
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- ArtWork, Inc.
