DeSoto Canyon Demersal Fish Survey and Tissue Sampling 2014

October 2-10, 2014 data from a research cruise targeting demersal fish in the DeSoto Canyon, Gulf of Mexico. The dataset contains species catch records and associated tissue samples collected via longline and chevron trap sets at depths from 75 to 2000 meters. It was produced by NOAA as part of research on hydrocarbon exposure and deep-sea ecology following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Use Cases

• Analyzing species assemblage differences between the eastern and western walls of DeSoto Canyon using catch data.
• Examining spatial and depth-mediated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using liver and bile sample metadata.
• Studying food web structure and long-term hydrocarbon attenuation via stable isotope and radiocarbon analysis of muscle tissue.
• Aiding phylogenetic and life history studies through the curation of specimen samples, including potential new species.

Strengths

• Provides a focused temporal snapshot from a dedicated 9-day research cruise (October 2-10, 2014).
• Covers a significant depth gradient (75-2000m) across distinct geographic features (DeSoto Canyon walls and adjacent slope).
• Includes multiple sample types (catch data, liver, bile, muscle tissue) supporting integrated ecological and contaminant analysis.

Limitations

• Core dataset facts (row count, column names, file size, license) are unavailable across all platforms.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2014-10-10 vs. 2026-03 05), indicating potential metadata inconsistency.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Species caught using demersal longlines and large chevron traps during the R/V Apalachee cruise AP-1415.

Time Range

2014-10-02 to 2014-10-10

Freshness

2026-03-05 22:51:07.957055

Geography

Eastern and western walls of DeSoto Canyon and the adjacent continental slope in the northern Gulf of Mexico.