The Davidson 2006 explorers return to Moss Landing harbor. Ten days at sea may have been too much for the shy and humble Warwick Sloss. Front row (L to R): Chad King, Erica Burton, Andrew DeVogelaere, Lisa Borok and Penny Allen. Back row (L to R) Lonny Lundsten, Warwick Sloss, Allen Andrews, Huff McGonigal, Jim Barry. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Mission Summary
Andrew DeVogelaere, PhD
Marine Scientist
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA
When we set out to Davidson Seamount on January 26, we had the following goals: to understand why deep-sea corals live where they do, to determine age and growth patterns of these corals, to improve species identifications from Davidson Seamount, and to share the exploration cruise with the general public. While we have yet to complete full analyses, the at-sea portion of the cruise was clearly successful.
During this 10 day research cruise, we made 70 hours of observations on the Davidson Seamount and collected 102 deep sea animal and rock specimens (some species likely new to science). The BBC was able to obtain spectacular high definition video of seamount life that they were not able to find during two other expeditions elsewhere. The NOAA Ocean Explorer and MBARI web sites were updated regularly with contributions from the entire science crew. While more analyses are necessary for our science findings, we have increased knowledge on the patchiness and role of sediments and currents on deep-sea corals.
Our last dive was completed just a few hours before heading home. Staff and scientists look on in the control room during a midwater filming session for the BBC. Several large Humboldt squid swarmed around the ROV. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Science is a process where you develop additional questions every time you learn something new. This happened on this cruise as well! We left some markers on Davidson Seamount to help us make photographic measurements over future years and determine growth rates of the giant corals. We also have a series of new hypotheses on how far corals can disperse from their parents; how coral environment chemistry changes with depth; how other species interact with corals; and the role of microtopography (the local hills and valleys). Later this year, MBARI scientists will return to Davidson Seamount, using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), for high-resolution seafloor mapping and midwater current studies. These instruments won’t bring back new video, but their data will help put a few more pieces of the deep sea coral puzzle in place.
In terms of resource protection, we all left in awe of the spectacular nature and fragility of deep-sea corals. Upon return, we will map the location of all deep-sea corals found in and around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and use our new knowledge to develop a map of potential coral habitats where we have not visited yet. Managers will be able to use this information to focus activities such as cable laying in areas where corals are not expected. Marine reserves, including no-take areas, are currently being selected in central California, and these coral maps will also help inform where critical protection areas are.
Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) swarm around Tiburon, possibly attracted to its lights. Several of the large (about 1- 2 meter, or 3-6 foot) animals clouded the water with greenish-gold ink.Click image for larger view and image credit.
Now we start on the REAL work! In upcoming weeks and months, here’s what the explorers from this cruise will be doing: we will hold a press conference on the cruise to share video highlights; make public presentations; complete scientific analyses; publish articles in science and education journals; incorporate data into resource management documents; and edit the BBC series Planet Earth. If you want to visit a piece of Davidson Seamount in person, we brought back a rock for the Sanctuary visitor center in Cambria, CA.
Thank you for following our cruise on-line, and thanks to the ship’s crew, ROV pilots and the entire science team. This project was funded by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Liquid Mountain provided high quality outdoor clothing for testing at-sea.
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