© A bubblegum coral (Paragorgia spp.) similar to, but distinct from, the new species identified in Lydonia Canyon. (c) Ivan Agerton, OceanX.
© Deep-sea corals like these in Lydonia Canyon are the foundation for diverse ecosystems that thrive far beneath the ocean surface. (c) Luis Lamar, National Geographic
© The OceanX research vessel Alucia and submersible Nadir. (c) Luis Lamar, National Geographic
© WHOI deep-sea biologist Tim Shank in the OceanX submersible Nadir diving in Lydonia Canyon. (c) Luis Lamar, National Geographic
© The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument covers approximately 4,913 square miles, is located about 130 miles east-southeast of Cape Cod, and includes two distinct areas: one that covers three canyons and one that covers four seamounts. (c) Map courtesy of NOAA