credit: Prof Louise Allcock
Cruise title:Deep Ecosystems CE23010
Lead PIs: Prof Louise Allcock
Partners: Dr Martin White, University of Galway; Prof Kerry Howell, University of Plymouth
Location: Porcupine Seabight, Whittard Canyon
Dates: 20 May 2023
The strategic objectives are to study the distribution and density of Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) in deep waters; investigate the role of oceanographic processes in driving the density of these MAF taxa; collect specific species of MAF taxa (corals and sponges) to provide density-biomass conversion estimates, and quantitative data on carbon storage; trial novel artificial intelligence and computer vision as a complementary tool in the study of biodiversity; support the future development of eDNA approaches to the study of biodiversity by providing barcode libraries for Irish MAF taxa; and better understand the poorly-studied pelagic realm of Irish submarine canyons above MAF.