However, knowledge of their spatial distribution is largely based on targeted surveys that are limited in their spatial extent. On the Scotian Shelf and Slope, a number of benthic ecologically or biologically significant areas consisting of habitat-forming species such as sponges and deep-water corals have been identified. Substantial knowledge gaps still exist, in particular quantitative information of deep-water corals at depths below 500 m, and these are being addressed by continuing collaborative research by DFO and universities.Įffective fisheries and habitat management processes require knowledge of the distribution of areas of high ecological or biological significance. The results of this program have been used by DFO to create coral conservation areas at the Northeast Channel (424 km2) and Stone Fence (15 km2) that are closed to bottom-fishing activities. A lower level of fishing damage was observed in the Northeast Channel while few indications of damage were observed in the Gully. Damage from fishing gear was found to be most extensive at the Lophelia reef complex at the Stone Fence. Numerous species of fish have also been observed associated with deep-water corals, the most abundant being redfish. Deep-water corals host a rich associated fauna, and 114 taxa have been identified to date on Paragorgia and Primnoa in Atlantic Canada. At their estimated growth rates of 1.7 and 1 cm /year, respectively, the largest Primnoa colony observed was about 61 years old while the largest Paragorgia colony was about 180 years old. The average height of Primnoa and Paragorgia colonies was 30 and 57 cm. The distribution of deep-water corals is patchy and influenced by several environmental factors including substrate, temperature, salinity and currents. The first documented Lophelia reef complex in Atlantic Canada was found near the Stone Fence in the mouth of the Laurentian Channel. The results confirmed earlier observations that the Northeast Channel, the Gully and the Stone Fence are prime coral habitats. Nineteen coral taxa were collected or observed alive in their natural habitat 6 Alcyonacea (soft corals), 7 Gorgonacea (horny corals), 5 Scleractinia (stony corals), and 1 Antipatharia (black corals). Data were gathered from DFO groundfish surveys, the Fisheries Observer Program, interviews with fishers and dedicated research cruises with specialized imaging and sampling equipment. During 2001-2003, in collaboration with university colleagues, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography investigated the distribution, abundance, habitat and biology of deep-water corals and their associated fauna under funding provided in part by the Environmental Studies Research Fund.
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Prior to 2000, most knowledge of deep-water corals was anecdotal and based primarily on fishing bycatch information.
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Deep-water corals occur in Atlantic Canada at water depths in the general range of 200-1500 m.