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.

Best, M., MacIntosh, H., Du Preez, C., and Gartner, H. Specimen Sample Database for the Deep-Sea Ecology Program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Available from MSEA Portal