June 10, 2022 — In the cold dark depths of the North Pacific Ocean, corals and sponges create living habitat for an abundance of life—including some of Alaska’s valuable commercial fish and shellfish.

This summer, Alaska Fisheries Science Center researchers and partners will embark on three expeditions to explore deep-sea coral and sponge habitats in the Gulf of Alaska. Advanced sampling technologies like stereo cameras, ROVs and environmental DNA (eDNA) will make it possible to survey vast areas in a noninvasive and cost-effective manner. The team will discover where corals and sponges are diverse and abundant. They will also learn about coral and sponge early life stages and growth. This knowledge will fill critical information needs for ecosystem-based management of Alaska’s fisheries in a rapidly changing ocean.

“The overarching goal is to conserve and protect unique habitats,” said project lead Christina Conrath, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Fisheries Science Center. “The first step is learning where important habitats are and how important they are to supporting fish and the ecosystem. That’s what we’re doing now.”

Deep-sea Coral and Sponge Ecosystems

Corals and sponges form complex habitat for a multitude of animals. This structure offers protection, feeding opportunities, and nursery areas for commercial species like rockfish, spot prawns, and golden king crab. Some fish deposit their eggs in sponges where they are not only protected from predators, but may also benefit from the sponge’s natural antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Read the full story from NOAA Fisheries