Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Hard Bottom Habitats and Coral Communities Survey

NOAA's 2011 interagency study explored deepwater hard bottom biological communities offshore Virginia and Maryland. The investigation focused on submarine canyons, coral communities, and shipwrecks to inform potential offshore leasing decisions. Data collection occurred during a specific cruise from June 4 to June 17, 2011.

Use Cases

• Map hard bottom habitat locations and correlate them with submarine canyon features for conservation planning.
• Analyze coral community distribution relative to shipwreck sites and other geospatial data layers.
• Model species assemblages on hard versus soft bottom substrates identified in the survey area.

Strengths

• Data originates from a targeted NOAA-led interagency research cruise.
• Study provides a focused temporal snapshot from a 14-day expedition in June 2011.

Limitations

• The dataset scope is limited to a specific two-week period, lacking temporal breadth.
• Sample size and specific row/column counts are unknown, limiting statistical assessment.
• Geographic coverage is restricted to offshore areas of Virginia and Maryland.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Exploration and investigation via a dedicated research cruise.

Time Range

2011-06-04 to 2011-06-17

Freshness

null

Geography

Northwest Atlantic Ocean offshore Virginia and Maryland, with emphasis on submarine canyons.