Research Technical Report

Permit MULTI-2019-018 Report to National Marine Sanctuaries: R/V Reuben Lasker Research Cruise

Laidig, T. (November 2019)

Permit Report, 11 pp.

EXCERPT

As part of the EXPRESS (Expanding Pacific Research and Exploration of Submerged Systems) Campaign from October 7 to November 7, 2019, a team of researchers from NMFS, USGS, and CINMS conducted a cruise from Southern Washington to Catalina Basin in Southern California that targeted deep-water areas off California, Oregon, and Washington aboard NOAA’s R/V Reuben Lasker.

Goals of the cruise were to:

• Collect Essential Fish Habitat baseline information at five sites proposed for modification by the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
• Revisit previously surveyed sites to document if changes have occurred over time.
• Survey two areas off California that are proposed wind energy lease sites.
• Collect samples to help in identifying west coast corals and sponges.

The cruise was supported by NMFS’ Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program and was jointly planned by NOAA (NMFS, NOS), BOEM, OAR, and USGS. Research conducted during this cruise is part of the four-year West Coast Deep Sea Coral Initiative.