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.
