Scientists Explore the Depths of the Sanctuary in Search of Deep Sea Corals and Sponges

From May 23 to June 4, 2006, NOAA scientists, including three Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary staff, conducted a research cruise with the goal of finding deep sea coral and sponge communities in the sanctuary. Using the NOAA ship McArthur II and ROPOS, a remotely-operated-vehicle (ROV) supplied by the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility through a contract with Canpac Divers, Inc. the team completed 11 dives in sanctuary waters.

Dives ranged from six to 52 hours in length, at depths ranging from 100 to 650 meters (~300 to 2,000 feet). The team searched areas located earlier by sonar surveys that revealed hard bottom material, a sign of potential coral-sponge habitat. The results of the survey show causes for both celebration and concern. Scientists saw several species of soft corals (gorgonians) as well as three species of stony corals, often with groups of rockfish and communities of invertebrates. The researchers also documented small patches of a reef building sponge and many giant vase sponges. They also saw large coral rubble piles, lost fishing gear, and human-caused debris, raising concerns about coral health and protection.

Learn more about the study and view photos from the survey by visiting the photo gallery, reading up on our current featured program, and visiting our partners' websites.

Partner Sites

NOAA:
http://www.noaa.gov
Office of Ocean Exploration:
http://www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program:
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
National Centers for Coastal and Ocean Science:
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov
West Coast & Polar Regions Undersea Research Center
http://www.westnurc.uaf.edu

Big Eddy Symposium event in October

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is part of the steering committee and a co-sponsor of the second Big Eddy Symposium, to be held on October 11-13, 2006 in Tofino, BC. If you would like to participate in this symposium or just learn more about the 'Big Eddy' (where or what is it?), please visit the following website.

http://www.bigeddy.net/symposiums.html#2006

The annual State of the Sanctuaries report is now online!

The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) has for years managed exciting marine education programs, encouraged the use of innovative technologies within sanctuary waters, supported exciting research and exploration and fostered long-standing partnerships that support sanctuary work in so many ways. This past year was no different. In this new State of the Sanctuaries Report, you will learn about some of the significant 2005 accomplishments that all help in some way to connect all 300 million Americans to the nation's natural and cultural maritime heritage.

Please check out the NMSP home page where the report is the current feature story.

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/sos05/welcome.html

Final Environmental Assessment Document Available Online

Analysis of Remediation Alternatives for the Pacific Crossing-1 North and East Submarine Fiber Optic Cables in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

In November 1999, NOAA issued an authorization/special use permit to Pacific Crossing, Ltd. for installation by its contractor, Tyco Submarine Systems, Ltd., of two fiber optic cables through the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. NOAA has been considering amending the permit or issuing a new permit to address the condition of the cables. NOAA's goal is to fully achieve the objectives of the terms and conditions of the permit, which would prevent chronic damage to resources, substantially reduce risks to resources and fishers, and restore Native Americans access to their treaty-reserved fishing grounds. The environmental assessment (EA) document evaluates various remedial alternatives to determine which option or combination of options would be most suitable to achieve this goal and defines NOAA's preferred alternative (reinstallation). NOAA solicited public comments and recommendations on the draft EA in a public comment period that closed October 24, 2005. The final EA includes a summary of public comments and NOAA's responses, as well as a Finding of No Significant Impact statement. Analysis of Remediation Alternatives for the Pacific Crossing-1 North and East Submarine Fiber Optic Cables in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The document can be downloaded at

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/alldocs.html

A copy of the comments provided by the Advisory Council is available on our site on the

SAC Actions page.

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