• Where and how deep do Aleutian corals occur?
• Can scientists and fisheries managers map them all?
• Is fishing irreparably damaging Aleutian corals?

Ever since 2002, when scientists in submersibles filmed the Aleutian coral "gardens" of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, people have been moved and intrigued by the images of the colorful and varied life within these cold waters.

They have also been concerned about evidence of damage to deepwater corals and sponges from fishing equipment such as trawls, longlines and crab pots. Some individuals, groups and agencies have called for fishing restrictions to protect the corals, which scientists believe to be sensitive to damage. And federal law requires the protection of "essential fish habitat."

Although the existence of a diverse coral community in the region has been known for more than a century, however, scientists still have much to learn about these Aleutian coral habitats, including their basic biology and distribution, not to mention their importance to deepwater fish, invertebrates and other members of the deep-sea ecosystem.

Are the Aleutian corals "essential fish habitat"? And if so, how many are there, and where exactly are they? Do they face more of a threat from human fishing practices than from naturally caused damage?

Fishery managers depend on scientists to find the answers.