MapGES 2021 is the continuation of our long term strategy to map deep-sea biodiversity and identify Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) in the Azores using the Azor drift-cam system. This year, we were only able to operate with the RV Arquipelago around Faial, Pico and São Jorge islands and with the FV Gotimar around Corvo island. As in other MapGES cruise, the objectives were to (i) map benthic communities inhabiting unexplored seamounts, ridges and island slopes, (ii) identify new areas that fit the FAO Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem definition; and (iii) determine distribution patterns of deep-sea benthic biodiversity in the Azores. The results of this cruise added to the previous contributions to identify the environmental drivers that determine the spatial distribution of deep-sea benthic biodiversity in the Azores. It also provided valuable information in the context of Good Environmental Status (GES), Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and provide new insights on how to sustainably manage deep-sea ecosystems.
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Faial and Pico island (Central Azores) and Corvo Island (Western Azores)
| Leg | Period | Days at sea | Vessel | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ●1 | 15/07/2021 - 30/07/2021 | 16 | RV Arquipélago | Horta | Horta |
| ●2 | 10/08/2021 - 16/08/2021 | 7 | FV Gotimar | Corvo | Corvo |
| ●3 | 25/08/2021 - 15/09/2021 | 22 | Arquipélago | Horta | Horta |
Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas
Rua Prof. Doutor Frederico Machado, 4
9901-862 Horta, Portugal