DEEP-SEA CORAL RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION
IN OFFSHORE NOVA SCOTIA

Deep-sea corals are bottom dwelling organisms found throughout the world's oceans. There are approximately 35 species of coral in the waters off Nova Scotia. Scientific and conservation interest is primarily focused on the large deep-sea gorgonian species (commonly referred to as coral "trees"). Large corals are colonial animals - they can be compared to hundreds of tiny anemones sharing a common skeleton. They can attain a height of at least 2.5 metres.

These suspension-feeding organisms are attached to stones or rock (in waters deeper than 200 metres), particularly in areas with strong currents. Very little is known about the age of these corals found off Nova Scotia. In other areas, studies on sea corn (Primnoa resedaformis) have shown that this coral may reach an age of up to 500 years, although most colonies are younger than 50 years. Because of their height off the seabed, large gorgonians are vulnerable to damage and disturbance from human activities in offshore waters.

Much of the knowledge on the location of deep-sea corals has come from the fishing community and non-government organisations. An important event was the First International Symposium on Deep-sea Corals held in Halifax in 2000. This provided an opportunity for scientists, conservation organisations, and other interests to discuss the biology and protection issues surrounding deep-sea corals, both locally and globally.

Scientists at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, and at various universities, are conducting research to build a further understanding of the distribution, habitat requirements, and ecology of these organisms in Canadian waters. Photographic and video surveys were conducted in 2000 and 2001 in known deep-sea coral areas on the Scotian Shelf. Surveys have been conducted to a depth of 500 metres. But, it is likely that corals are also found in even deeper marine areas. As well, deep-sea coral information is being collected through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) groundfish surveys and the fishing industry's observer program.

The exact distribution of corals in offshore waters is not known. The largest and best- known coral areas are in canyons along the shelf edge or in deep channels between fishing banks. The greatest known abundance of deep-water gorgonian found off Nova Scotia is in the Northeast Channel, located between Browns and Georges Banks. Two species are predominant, Paragorgia arborea (bubble gum coral) and Primnoa resedaeformis (sea corn).

The Sable Gully, a large submarine canyon east of Sable Island, is another important area for deep-sea corals off Nova Scotia. This area does not have as high an abundance of gorgonian corals, but does have the highest known diversity of deep-sea coral species found in the offshore.

Northeast Channel Coral Conservation Area

In 2001 and 2002, DFO and the fishing industry met to address the potential impacts of fisheries on deep-sea corals. An industry working group was tasked to these issues. A proposed coral conservation area was identified which centered on Romey's Peak, in the Northeast Channel (see Figure). Restrictions (and conditions) on bottom fishing gear are being put in place to protect deep-sea corals in this area. This action will help provide scientists with an area to study and observe these marine organisms in undisturbed habitats. The conservation area is approximately 424 square kilometres in size, and is located in NAFO Divisions 5ZE and 4X. Management measures protecting this area will be effective as of the 2002 fishing season.

There is fishing activity throughout the Northeast Channel region. Through discussions with the industry working group, and at other venues, efforts have been made to understand the overlap between fishing activities and areas of coral abundance. The conservation area is designed to protect deep-sea corals, while minimizing the impact on fishing.

The conservation area is divided into two zones.

"Restricted bottom fisheries zone"

• About 90 percent of the area is closed to all bottom fishing gear used for groundfish or invertebrate fisheries (longline, gillnet, trap, mobile).

"Limited bottom fisheries zone"

About 10 percent of the area is only open to authorized fishing. At the present time, the area is open only to longline gear and is closed to all other bottom fishing gear. Observer program coverage in this area will be increased, to provide information on the level of fishing activity and on any impacts of that fishing has on deep-sea corals.

The effectiveness of this conservation measure will be reviewed using information gathered from fishing industry and from research results. DFO will also work with the fishing industry to develop strategies to reduce the unintentional damage to important coral habitats in other offshore areas. Additionally, DFO will work with other regulators and industries to prevent deep sea coral damage from other marine activities.

DFO researchers will continue scientific studies on corals in Northeast Channel. Additional research surveys are planned for other offshore Atlantic waters in 2002 and 2003.

JULY 2002