The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a significant underwater natural wonder. It is the first and only marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting a commitment to safeguarding an extraordinary deep-sea environment. The monument offers a rare glimpse into the complex and often unseen world beneath the ocean’s surface.
Location and Geological Features
The monument is situated approximately 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, off the coast of New England. It encompasses roughly 4,913 square miles, an area comparable in size to the state of Connecticut. The monument is divided into two primary units: the Canyons Unit and the Seamounts Unit.
The Canyons Unit features three deep-sea canyons: Oceanographer, Lydonia, and Gilbert. These canyons are among the largest of about 35 major undersea canyons that line the U.S. continental shelf’s edge. They formed through erosion, cutting into the continental slope and lower continental shelf, resulting in steep walls. Oceanographer Canyon plunges approximately 4,000 feet from its lip to its deepest point, a depth similar to the Grand Canyon.
The Seamounts Unit contains four volcanic seamounts: Bear, Mytilus, Physalia, and Retriever. These underwater mountains rise from the abyssal plain, remnants of past volcanic activity. Both the canyons and seamounts provide diverse terrains that shape the underwater landscape and create varied habitats. These geological formations are foundational to the rich ecosystems found within the monument.
Exceptional Marine Ecosystems
The monument’s distinct geological features foster rich biodiversity and marine life. Cold-water coral forests thrive in these deep-sea environments, some centuries or even millennia old. These corals, along with sponges and anemones, form complex structures that serve as a foundation for vibrant ecosystems, providing shelter, food, and spawning grounds for numerous species. At least 54 species of deep-sea corals have been identified within the monument, living at depths of 3,900 meters or more.
The varied topography of the canyons and seamounts supports high concentrations of marine animals. These features interact with ocean currents, drawing up nutrient-rich waters from the deep, which in turn support a diverse food web. Deep-diving whales, such as sperm whales and various beaked whale species, frequently visit the monument’s waters. Other marine life includes a wide range of fish, octopuses, squids, and other invertebrates, many adapted to the deep-sea environment, along with sea turtles and seabirds.
Protecting a Deep-Sea Treasure
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established to protect its unique ocean habitats and features of scientific interest. President Barack Obama designated the monument on September 15, 2016, through Presidential Proclamation 9496, utilizing authority granted by the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Specific protections and regulations are in place to safeguard this deep-sea ecosystem. Commercial fishing, mining, and oil and gas exploration are prohibited within the monument’s boundaries. These prohibitions aim to prevent disturbances to the fragile deep-sea corals and other sensitive species that inhabit the area. The monument’s purpose is to preserve the deep-sea environment for ongoing scientific study and for the benefit of future generations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jointly manage the monument, working to ensure its long-term conservation.
Scientific Discovery and Future Stewardship
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument serves as a living laboratory for ongoing scientific research and exploration. Scientists continue to study its deep-sea biology and oceanography, seeking to understand the complex interactions within its ecosystems. This area has been a subject of scientific exploration since the 1970s, yielding continuous discoveries. The monument offers opportunities to gain new insights into deep-sea life and the resilience of these ecosystems.
Researchers frequently conduct expeditions, utilizing advanced technology to explore the depths and observe previously unknown species or behaviors. The data collected from these studies contributes significantly to our understanding of ocean health and the impacts of environmental changes. Continued monitoring, research, and long-term stewardship are important for preserving this marine area. These efforts ensure that the monument remains a valuable site for scientific discovery and a protected haven for its unique inhabitants.