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| Davidson Seamount Expedition 2002 |
Principal Investigator(s)
Andrew DeVogelaere (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
Gregor Cailliet (Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, California State University)
Mario Tamburri (University of Maryland)
Randall Kochevar (Monterey Bay Aquarium)
William Douros (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
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Start Date
2002-05-17
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Funding
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Overview
The Davidson Seamount is an impressive geologic feature located 120 km southwest of Monterey, California. This inactive volcano is roughly 2,300 m tall and 40 km long, yet its summit is far below the ocean surface (1,250 m). In May 2002, a diverse group of scientists led by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary embarked on an exploration to more fully characterize the Davidson Seamount.
Using the research vessel Western Flyer and ROV Tiburon, we completed 6 full-day dives and recorded 90 hours of video from all depths of the seamount. Meanwhile, at the surface, a team counted seabirds and marine mammals. We collected 104 rock samples, 21 sediment cores, 123 biological samples, and 3 trash items. While detailed analyses are still in progress, it is clear that these assemblages of species are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance. The number of new species is unknown, but with the samples collected and associated digital video, there is a potential to describe several. At least 4 rare fishes were observed and many invertebrates have yet to be identified. Our work is helping resource managers make a decision regarding inclusion of the Davidson Seamount into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary boundary to conserve and protect the species and habitats there.
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Summary to Date
We collected 104 rock samples, 21 sediment cores, 123 biological samples, and 3 trash items. The crest of Davidson Seamount had the highest diversity of species, including large gorgonian corals and sponges. While detailed analyses are still in progress, it is clear that these assemblages of species are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance.
The number of new species is unknown, but with the samples collected and associated digital video, there is a potential to describe several. At least 4 rare fishes were observed and many invertebrates have yet to be identified.
To learn more about the Joint Management Plan Review process and Davidson Seamount protection, go to the Ecosystem Protection - Davidson Seamount website.
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Monitoring Trends
- Apparent species zonation patterns found along the seamount: crest, slope, base.
- Several rare and unique fish species observed. Rare sea toad (Bathychaunax coloratus) seen alive for the first time. Halosaur (Aldrovandia sp.) observation may be the first reported occurrence in the California Current.
- Species assemblages are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance.
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Discussion
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Website Links
Expedition Images
Excerpt from the Draft Davidson Seamount Action Plan
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Study Parameters
Click here to view the parameters measured in this study. |
Study Methods
Click here to view the methods and materials used in this study. |
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Images and Documents
Map showing the location of the Davidson Seamount in relation to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Close-up map of the Davidson Seamount.
Stalked white ruffle sponge on the Davidson Seamount (2563 meters).
Mystery mollusk (nudibranch) above the Davidson Seamount (1498 meters).
Davidson Seamount Fact Sheet
To learn more about protecting the Davidson Seamount, download the Fact Sheet.
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