Cape Canyon Benthic Invertebrates Tissue samples

Submarine canyons are heterogeneous environments known to support a variety of benthic organisms, and often considered biodiversity hotspots. Canyon morphological features facilitate the funneling of organic matter to the seabed, making them significant hubs of food resources for benthic life. In light of this, the DFFE: Oceans and Coasts initiative undertook the collection of benthic tissue data aimed at understanding how hydrography affects food availability for benthic species within and surrounding the Cape Canyon. This effort involved examining 15 stations, comprising six within the canyon and nine outside it, leading to the identification of six distinct trophic groups.