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Samples from NOAA Mesophotic Coral Study Become Part of Smithsonian Collection

Since many coral samples were full colonies, samples were kept in gasketed glass jars at the Smithsonian. These make ideal containers for ethanol preserved samples but require adequate care and space for their storage. Credit: NOAA
Since many coral samples were full colonies, samples were kept in gasketed glass jars at the Smithsonian. These make ideal containers for ethanol preserved samples but require adequate care and space for their storage. Credit: NOAA

Last month, NCCOS Charleston staff transported a collection of 228 deep-wateroctocoral samples to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, MuseumSupport Center in Suitland, Maryland, and aided in the transfer of the samples to permanent containers.

All of the samples were collected onreefs in the mesophotic zone (100 -500feet deep) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico as part of the Natural ResourceDamage Assessment for theDeepwater Horizon oil spill. NCCOS staff collected these samples in 2010, 2011, and 2014 for the purposes ofspecies identification and injury assessment and reported their results in a recent article in Coral Reefs .Thecollection included several octocoral species identified for the first time in this region of the Gulf of Mexico (as well as a few range extensions) and a potential new species of Nicella.

NCCOS' deep-water octocoral samples will become part of the Smithsonian's extensive collection. Pictured is just one of many rows of shelves containing ethanol-preserved octocorals at the Smithsonian. Credit: NOAA.
NCCOS’ deep-water octocoral samples will become part of the Smithsonian’s extensive collection. Pictured is just one of many rows of shelves containing ethanol-preserved octocorals at the Smithsonian. Credit: NOAA.

The National Museum of Natural History’s collection is unparalleled and draws visitingresearchers from across the globe. NCCOS’s donation of these samples marks a valued additionto this collection, which will be available for continued research and investigation by the public.To learn more about the Smithsonian’s specimen collection, visit their website or collectionsdatabase.

For more information, contact Peter.Etnoyer@noaa.gov.

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