The sea surface temperatures in the Central GOA have remained above the long-term (1982-2012) mean since August 18. However sea surface temperatures have not approached the 90th percentile between then and September 6.
The four-year Alaska Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Initiative is part of an effort to improve our understanding of deep-sea coral communities and aid resource managers in developing and evaluating management options for these valuable habitats.
Dive into Habitat Month and learn more about the role and connection of healthy coastal habitats to our nation’s communities and ecosystems as our climate changes.