New Protection for Deep-sea Corals

As of July 2010, specified fishing gear and possession of coral are prohibited in these deep-sea coral areas.

CREDIT: Map: Tauna Rankin. Image: S. Ross et al., UNCW, NOAA/USGS DISCOVRE Cruise

In July 2010, NOAA established eight deep-sea coral habitat areas of particular concern (C-HAPCs) in the South Atlantic region. Highlighted on the map, these areas were selected because deep-sea coral colonies live there—or are suspected to live there.

Possession of deep-sea corals is prohibited within the C-HAPCs. Deep-sea corals living in these areas are also protected by the following restrictions:

Prohibited fishing gear

Fisheries that use bottom damaging gear are banned within the C-HAPCs. Prohibited gear includes bottom longline, trawl (bottom and mid-water), dredge, pot, and trap. Fishing vessels cannot use anchors, anchors and chains, or grapples and chains.

Restricted fishing

Currently the only commercial fisheries that operate in the C-HAPCs are the wreckfish, golden crab, and royal red shrimp fisheries. The areas where these fisheries can operate are restricted, allowing them to continue with little or no new adverse impacts to deep-sea corals.