Deep-sea corals and resource protection at the Davidson Seamount, California, U.S.A.

The Davidson Seamount is located 120 km to the southwest of Monterey, along the California coast, USA. It is 2,400 m tall; yet, it is still 1,250 m below the sea surface. In May 2002, 90 hours of digital video was recorded from all depths of the Davidson Seamount, using a remotely operated vehicle, and deep-sea coral specimens were collected. Preliminary analyses indicate that 20 coral taxa were found, and they were almost exclusively located in high relief, ridge areas. Other species were noted on or adjacent to the corals. Because of its pristine nature, as well as human threats and great potential for education, the Davidson Seamount is under consideration for protection as part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]