The science team plans to fill critical knowledge gaps about mesophotic coral ecosystems (mces) and contribute to their conservation and management

IT will be the first comprehensive description of western puerto rican mesophotic fish assemblages below 70 m. The proposed research aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies, including advanced deep diving techniques, genomics, biodiversity informatics, and underwater stereo-video imaging, to comprehensively characterize fish assemblages in mces across the western coast of puerto rico's EEZ. The project will characterize fish assemblages across a vertical gradient, from 30-120 m, to identify the biodiversity present in these systems and to understand the habitat uses of fishes and potential threats to mces in this region. This characterization will provide insights into species presence, population sizes, distribution patterns, and habitat use, especially for commercially valuable and vulnerable species. The study will document climate-related and anthropogenic stressors, such as coral bleaching and the presence of macroplastics, to assess the impact of these threats on mces and their communities. A strong outreach component is aimed at raising awareness and concern for mces in local communities through workshops, social media campaigns, and an ocean exploration documentary video. This outreach will engage a broad audience, capture the public?s imagination, and provide a powerful platform for conservation themes.