Geology, biogeography and genetic connectivity of deep sea corals in the Orphan Knoll, Orphan Basin and Flemish Pass areas

深海珊瑚和海绵是构成深海生境的重要生物，但它们极易受到触底捕捞和其他干扰的影响。 该项目将研究纽芬兰大陆边沿着国际沃茨三个地区的深海珊瑚和海绵：孤儿穹丘、沿着孤儿盆地边缘和沿着佛兰芒山口边缘，佛兰芒山口是将佛兰芒海帽与大浅滩分开的深水水道。这项研究将记录支持珊瑚生境的地质特征的性质、珊瑚密度、珊瑚骨骼中的古海洋学记录、与珊瑚和海绵有关的鱼类和无脊椎动物生物多样性、鱼类对深海珊瑚生境的利用、珊瑚种群之间的遗传联系以及大型柳珊瑚引起的近海底（边界层）湍流。利用加拿大研究用遥控飞行器ROPOS对深海珊瑚以及支持其在纽芬兰和拉布拉多沃茨生境的地质特征进行现场测绘和录像。 此次巡航的结果对于加拿大努力履行联合国承诺，管理和保护沿着纽芬兰和拉布拉多大陆边缘200英里界限内外的脆弱海洋生态系统至关重要。纽芬兰和拉布拉多。

Deep-sea corals and sponges are important habitat-structuring organisms in the deep-sea, but they are highly vulnerable to the impacts of bottom-contact fishing and other disturbances. This project will study deep-sea corals and sponges in three areas in international waters along the continental margin of Newfoundland: Orphan Knoll, along the margins of the Orphan Basin, and along the edges of Flemish Pass, the deep-water channel separating the Flemish Cap from the Grand Banks. The research will document the nature of the geological features that support coral habitat, coral density, paleoceanographic records in coral skeletons, fish and invertertebrate biodiversity associated with corals and sponges, fish utilization of deep-sea coral habitat, genetic connectivity among coral populations, and near-bottom (boundary layer) turbulence induced by large gorgonian corals. In-situ mapping and video of deep-sea corals and the geological features supporting their habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador waters uses the Canadian research Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) ROPOS. Results of the cruise will be highly important for Canada's efforts to meet its United Nations commitments to manage and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems both inside and outside the 200-mile limit along the continental margin of Newfoundland and Labrador.