Rich Biodiversity in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Once thought to be a lifeless desert, the deep sea continues to reveal rich life nourished by decomposing debris (more elegantly known as marine snow) drifting from above. Wriggling rattails and gelatinous jellies pulse in the midwater, setting the stage for octopus, sea spiders, and skates to creep, crawl, and camouflage along the seafloor of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.