SUMMARY OF SEAFLOOR MAPPING AND BENTHIC SAMPLING IN 200-2000M, FROM NORTH CAROLINA THROUGH FLORIDA.

Authors

M. D. Arendt, Marine Resources Research Institute
C. A. Barans, Marine Resources Research Institute
G. R. Sedberry, Marine Resources Research Institute
R. F. Van Dolah, Marine Resources Research Institute
John K. Reed, Florida Atlantic University
S. W. Ross, University of North Carolina

Author Type

Faculty

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Biological habitats and mineral resources in deep-waters should be identified, summarized into a database and their locations mapped. Comprehensive maps of deep-water resources are a prerequisite for managing these areas and their associated resources. In addition, this type of information is useful in mitigating conflicting user-group interests and protecting biodiversity. In the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), biological habitats of importance to deep-water fisheries resources include coral mounds, “live bottom” areas, rock outcroppings, man-made structures, tilefish mud bottom, and possibly mineral deposit areas such as manganese nodules and pavement sites. Congressional mandates, such as the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and recognition of Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) under the Magnuson Act re-authorization, have emphasized protecting critical habitats and their associated resources (Murawski et al. 2000, Reed 2000). In the southeastern U.S., information on the distribution and abundance of resources, which was needed to manage and protect such areas, resulted from extensive mapping of specific substrates (e.g., reefs) and species associations (e.g., sponge and/or coral; obligate reef fishes) on the continental shelf during past 20-25 years. Although much is known about bottom type on the continental shelf, considerably less is known about the distribution and importance of bottom type in the waters beyond the shelf edge.

Publication Date

2003

Comments

Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution #1514.

Recommended Citation

This publication may be cited as: Arendt, M. D., Barans, C. A., Sedberry, G. R., Van Dolah, R. F., Reed, J. K., & Ross, S. W. (2003). Summary of seafloor mapping and benthic sampling in 200-2000m, from North Carolina through Florida. Final report for Phase II of the Deep-Water Habitat Mapping Project. [Submitted to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the NOAA Coastal Services Center]. (pp. 1-156). Charleston, SC: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.