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OAS project Detail for GULF OF MEXICO DEEP SEA HABITATS
| projects_id: | 663 |
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| Name: | GULF OF MEXICO DEEP SEA HABITATS |
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| Comments: | http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03mex/background/plan/plan.html The presence of deep-water corals in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has been known for several decades, yet little work has been focused on understanding their basic biology and functional ecology. Our current knowledge of the distribution of corals in the GOM is limited to sporadic reports of coral observations and sample collections, which indicate that deep-water coral colonies are likely widely distributed. We have no impression, however, of the abundance and extent of deep-water coral systems. Additionally, we do not know whether the distribution of deep-water corals in the GOM is linked to local hydrocarbon seepage or is present simply because hard substrate is produced and is often available where seepage occurs. In light of increasing anthropogenic activity in the GOM, there is an urgent need to understand these fragile and potentially valuable resources, and ultimately to determine appropriate management strategies for their protection. |
| Deprecated: | false |
| Metadata version: | 0 |
| Keydate: | 2013-02-20 18:27:48+00 |
| Editdate: | 2013-02-20 18:27:48+00 |