Mystic Aquarium Heads to Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
July 18, 2024
See the videos from the expedition:
Mystic Aquarium, along with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, launched an expedition aboard the Research Vessel (R/V) Connecticut on July 19. Their destination? The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a marine protected area (MPA) located about 130 miles off Cape Cod. This MPA, designated as such in 2016, spans an area roughly the size of Connecticut and includes three undersea canyons and four seamounts teeming with diverse marine life. It is the only highly protected marine area in the U.S. Atlantic and the only entanglement-free zone for migrating marine mammals and sea turtles along the eastern seaboard.
Discovering Marine Life
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is home to a stunning array of marine life. In these waters, you can find deep-sea corals, rare fish species, and vibrant invertebrates. The canyons and seamounts are frequented by various cetaceans, including sperm whales and dolphins. Apex predators such as white sharks, swordfish, and tuna are among the fish species that hunt in the Monument waters. Sea turtles also navigate these waters, finding a safe haven from fishing gear entanglements. Additionally, seabirds such as petrels and puffins thrive in this rich feeding ground, making the monument an important area for their survival.
Expedition Research
The expedition is led by Dr. Peter Auster, Senior Research Scientist at Mystic Aquarium and Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut. The team, which includes scientists and educators, are gathering data across five key areas during the mission. This effort is supported through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This collaborative effort aims to enhance our understanding of the unique and protected marine ecosystem of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
Key Research Activities
Apex Predator Studies: Dr. Peter Auster will scuba dive and deploy baited remote underwater video cameras to study apex predators.
Seabird Surveys: Meta Miner and Dr. Mael Glon from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct surveys to monitor seabird populations.
Environmental DNA Analysis: Dr. Yuan Liu of NOAA Fisheries will collect environmental DNA to analyze the biodiversity of the area.
Plankton Research: Dr. Mary Beth Decker from Yale University will use a plankton camera and specialized net to collect and identify gelatinous animals.
The team will also assist onshore colleagues by collecting fish larvae to study spawning patterns and testing new technology for tracking deep-sea fish.
Importance of the Studies
Studies at the Northeast Monument are crucial for several reasons. This protected area serves as a natural laboratory for understanding undisturbed marine ecosystems. Research conducted here helps scientists learn how marine life interacts with their environment, providing insights into biodiversity, species behavior, and ecological health. The data collected can inform conservation strategies not just within the monument but also for other marine protected areas globally. Moreover, by studying the effects of protection on these ecosystems, we are able to create more effective marine conservation policies, ensuring the long-term survival of these vital habitats.
Follow the Expedition
Throughout the expedition, videos document the team's progress and give an insider's look at life aboard a research vessel. These videos showcase the highs and lows of conducting marine research, from the excitement of making new discoveries to the challenges of working in the open ocean. By sharing these experiences, we aim to pull back the curtain on what it's really like to be on a research cruise. Visit our social media channels and website for all the updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a closer connection to the groundbreaking work being done at the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
This expedition to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument represents a significant step forward in marine research and conservation. By studying this unique and protected ecosystem, Mystic Aquarium and its partners aim to uncover critical insights that will inform and enhance marine conservation efforts worldwide. Through daily videos and updates, we invite you to join us on this journey, witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion that drive our mission to protect our oceans. Together, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of these vital marine habitats and work towards a sustainable future for all ocean life.
For more on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts check out these videos and web resources:
VIDEO: Travel through the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
