Deep-sea coral and sponge communities are often hotspots of biodiversity, providing important habitat for life within deep-ocean waters. As the ocean knows no boundaries, NOAA has a responsibility to study these communities both inside and outside of U.S. waters. The area explored in the Musicians Seamounts during the Deep-Sea Symphony expedition in 2018 hosted some of the most-dense coral and sponge communities encountered throughout the entire ‘Campaign to Address Pacific monument Science, Technology, and Ocean NEeds (CAPSTONE)’ project in the Pacific. These corals are featured in this video.
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Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts.