As a result of the deepwater horizon oil spill, a large restoration effort through nrda focuses on the mesophotic and deep benthic communities (MDBC) zones in the gulf of mexico

With little known about these habitats, to properly restore such habitats, extensive research is needed. The MDBC project through NOAA is supported by and administrated through the open ocean technical implementation group or TIG. The overall effort is separated into four distinct research projects: 1. Mapping, ground-truthing, and predictive habitat modeling 2. Habitat assessment and evaluation 3. Coral propagation and technique development 4. Active management and protection the northern gulf institute is proposing our data management and product research support for activities which include mapping, ground-truthing, predictive habitat modeling, habitat assessment/evaluation, deep coral propagation methodology development, education, outreach, and engagement. The four projects include a three-year field and lab-based phase, and one year for final evaluation and reporting (this is a 1.42-year proposal to support both field and lab efforts). The scope of work is intended to support ongoing data management and development as well as field support and new research methods. Work plans for NGI staff will be set with detailed objectives and performance criteria. The goals are to address data and project resource needs, sequence implementation phases, and meet data management and environmental compliance requirements. Important additional aspects of effort are ensuring transparency in restoration decision-making and establishing effective approaches for stakeholder coordination and engagement, public input, communication of results, and data sharing. This will be accomplished by creating opportunities for stakeholder engagement; establishing data collection and management standards; and coordinating with resource management agencies for effective use of the information to inform protection and management policies.