All specimens in this database were collected during deep-sea expeditions between 2018 and 2023.
The expeditions were partnerships under the evolving NorthEast Pacific Deep-sea Exploration
Project (NEPDEP), a grassroots intiative by scientists and employees of Fisheries and Oceans
Canada, the Council of the Haida Nation, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, University of Victoria,
Royal British Columbia Museum, and Ocean Networks Canada (a United Nations Ocean Decade endorsed
action). Some expeditions also included partnerships with Ocean Exploration Trust, the Canadian
Scientific Submersible Facility ROPOS, and Oceana Canada. For information about each expedition,
please see the NEPDEP “Past Expeditions” webpage. The database was created and is maintained by
members of the Marine Spatial Ecology and Analysis (MSEA) Section at Fisheries and Oceans
Canada. Samples have been identified to the appropriate taxonomic level or as per initial
investigations. The database is subject to updates as further investigations are carried out.
Data from future expeditions are intended to be added to this database once available. For
questions concerning identifications and sample processing please contact the primary taxonomist
and database manager, Merlin Best. For issues
concerning the database itself please contact Rob
Skelly.
