Journey deep beneath the cold waters of the Aleutian Island archipelago to explore the rich abundance of life on the sea floor.

In July 2002, NOAA scientists and researchers from around the country began their study of possible habitat disturbance.  To better understand the highly structured ecosystem of diverse corals, sponges, fishes, crabs and other invertebrates, 36 sites were explored using the two-person Delta submarine (pictured below).

Capable of diving to depths of 1200 feet, the Delta allowed its crew to conduct research and capture the vivid scenes for this video.


The "Coral Gardens of the Aleutians" streaming video, which runs for 6:44 minutes, is available for viewing on our  Multimedia Gallery.

Movie Credits: Dr. Jon Heifetz, NMFS, Auke Bay Laboratory Bob Stone, NMFS, Auke Bay Laboratory Patrick Malecha, NMFS, Auke Bay Laboratory Dean Courtney, NMFS, Auke Bay Laboratory Dr. Bruce Wing, NMFS, Auke Bay Laboratory Anne Simpson, University of Maine Alberto Lindner, Duke University Crew of the F/V Velero IV Sheela McLean, NMFS, Alaska Regional Office Katie Bausler, Writer / Narrator Mark Sabel, editor, Sabel Media