A Deep SEARCH for Science

BOEM explored deep-sea ecosystems to inform future offshore energy and mineral development decisions in the Atlantic
02/24/2026

Beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean lies a vast, little-seen world of canyons, coral forests, and methane seeps. To better understand and protect these fragile ecosystems, federal scientists launched the multi-agency Deep Sea Exploration to Advance Research on Coral/Canyon/Cold seep Habitats (Deep SEARCH) study to survey the deep waters along the U.S. East Coast from Virginia to Georgia.

Manipulator arm of HOV Alvin removes a small piece of live Lophelia coral for sampling.
Human occupied vehicle (HOV) Alvin collect a sample of live Lophelia pertusa. Credit: DEEP SEARCH 2018 – BOEM, USGS, NOAA, HOV Alvin. Copyright Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Across five research cruises, researchers from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program mapped and analyzed remote seafloor habitats that could be affected by offshore energy and mineral development. Using advanced technology, they explored submarine canyons, documented methane seeps, and revealed vibrant deep-sea coral communities thriving in darkness thousands of feet below the surface. Among the highlights was the Richardson Reef Complex—now recognized as one of the largest cold-water coral reefs ever recorded.

One of the most surprising discoveries came in 2018, when researchers encountered extensive reefs of Lophelia pertusa (also known as Desmophyllum pertusum). Although this deep-sea stony coral is well known in the North Atlantic, finding it growing deeper and farther offshore than expected expanded scientists’ understanding of where such sensitive habitats can exist.

Delicate black coral branches extend from a rocky ledge in deep water at Blake Deep.
Black coral seen at Blake Deep. Credit: Ivan Hurzeler and DEEP SEARCH 2019 – BOEM, USGS, NOAA, ROV Jason, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Steep wall of Pamlico Canyon densely covered with starfish, cup corals, and branching deep sea corals.
Pamlico Canyon walls covered in brinsingid starfish, cup corals, and other corals, including octocorals and stony corals. Credit: Image courtesy of Ivan Hurzeler and DEEP SEARCH 2019 – BOEM, USGS, NOAA, ROV Jason, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

The data gathered through Deep SEARCH provide crucial baseline information for the Mid- and South-Atlantic. These findings will improve scientific models and help BOEM make informed offshore energy and marine mineral decisions. By revealing where vulnerable ecosystems flourish, the study strengthens conservation planning and ensures that future ocean development is guided by the best available science. Read more about A Deep SEARCH for Science.

Studies Across America

The study is featured in BOEM’s new Studies Across America StoryMap, an interactive online narrative highlighting the bureau’s research and environmental assessment efforts, which BOEM launched to help commemorate America’s 250th birthday.  

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The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages development of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy, mineral, and geological resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way.