In 2017 and 2018, we sampled about 20 locations across Frobisher Bay, mostly in the deeper portions of outer Frobisher Bay that are only accessible for sampling from large ships. Sample stations were chosen to span the range of depth and slope values in the multibeam sonar dataset, and in 2018 sampling, also included gross bottom morphology, such as ridges and troughs. We also targeted some particular geomorphic features, such as suspected submarine extensions of moraines. In 2017, bottom samples were acquired using box-cores, and small scientific trawl (Agassiz trawl). In 2018, bottom samples were acquired using box-cores, combined with a drop-video camera. Agassiz trawls were collected at two stations in 2018. Sediment samples were described visually and subsamples frozen for grain size and organic content analysis. Where informative, subsamples of lithic fragments within the sediments were kept for mapping. Bottom faunal samples were enumerated and preserved in 2% formalin in seawater, except for larger faunal samples such as soft corals, which were frozen.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video survey was conducted at the NE Saglek Bank location, at a depth of ~1000 m in July 2018. The main objectives of this dive were to survey epifauna at 1000 m off of the bank and to collect corals, sponges, and other large epifauna from this depth zone. This dive was aborted due to twisting of cable wire and tension which caused video to fail repeatedly. Dive ended at 982 m.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video survey was conducted at the NE Hatton Sill location, at a depth of ~620 m in August 2018. The primary purpose of the ROV dive at this location was to obtain video-transect data for species composition determination, site characterization and depth distribution of corals and sponges, and to collect live and dead corals and sponges. Bottom type was mainly sand and gravel with occasional boulders. Semi-consolidated sand was observed at various points within the dive. Corals observed during this dive include Primnoa resedaeformis (including dead skeletons), soft corals, mushroom corals (e.g. Anthomastus sp.), Paramuricea sp., Radicipes sp., sea pens, sponges including Asconema spp. and Geodia spp.

Coral samples were collected in Pond Inlet and Lancaster Sound in Baffin Bay using the CCGS Amundsen’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Samples from Agassiz trawl and box-core deployments were also kept as part of this study (11 stations). Samples were collected between 253 and 856 m. Specimens were subsampled aboard and frozen for determination of their carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic composition, as well as for lipids and fatty acids composition, as part of a study focusing on the trophic ecology of cold-water corals. Carbon and Nitrogen stable isotope analysis as well as lipids/fatty acids analysis were performed on tissue samples of soft corals at the Stable Isotopes Laboratory and Lipids Laboratory, Memorial University, respectively.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video survey was conducted at the Saglek Bank location, at a depth of ~500 m in July 2018. The primary purpose of this ROV dive was the geological and biological site characterization across depths, and sampling of dead coral skeletons, live corals for stable isotopes and lipids, and sponges for stable isotopes. Bottom type was mainly sandy gravelly bottom. Small sponges and soft corals (Family Nephtheidae) were abundant at this site (probably Geodia spp.). Other corals observed include red mushroom corals (Family Alcyoniidae, likely Anthomastus sp.), Primnoa resedaeformis (live and dead – skeletons). Primnoa resedaeformis colonies were mostly small, and abundant at certain parts of the dive. No sampling was possible during this dive due to a mix of strong currents and ROV issues.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video survey was conducted at the Saglek Bank location, at a depth of ~750 m in July 2018. The main objectives of this dive were to video-survey coral and sponge fauna on ridge at 750 m depth, and to collect coral and sponge samples. Bottom type was mainly sandy and gravel, with boulders in some parts of the transect. Corals include the solitary scleractinian Flabellum sp., soft corals (Nephtheidae), mushroom soft corals (probably Anthomastus sp.), sea pens Anthoptilum (erect and also lying on sea floor) and Halipteris finmarchica on sandy gravel bottom. Dead sea pen skeletons were also observed. Sponges include Asconema sp., Geodia sp., encrusting blue sponges (Hymedesmia sp.), and some unidentified fan-shape sponges. Among fish, we observed redfish (Sebastes spp.), small grenadiers (Family Macrouridae), and small (likely juvenile) skates (Family Rajidae). Other invertebrates include unidentified squat lobsters, sea anemones, and crabs.

Two remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video surveys were conducted at the SW Greenland location, at depths of ~700-950 m in August 2018. The primary purpose of the ROV dives at this location was to video survey the area study the distribution, geology, and species associations to the reef-forming cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa. Another objective of these dives was to survey the area to identify a suitable location for piston coring. Lophelia pertusa coral colonies were observed on steep bedrock surfaces between 950 and 750 m water depth. Other corals observed at this site include Primnoa resedaeformis, Paragorgia arborea, soft corals, and sponges Asconema spp, Geodia spp., among others. No sampling took place at this location due to ROV issues.