Report of deep-sea Porifera (Euplectellidae, Euretidae, Hylanematidae, Pheronematidae, Rossellidae) in the southern Colombian Caribbean.

In the frame of the oil & gas exploratory activities, towed camera pictures and ROV video-transects were used to encounter and identified deep-sea fauna. Identification of the organisms was aided by national and international experts, contributing to new knowledge about deep sea fauna in the deep-sea Colombian Caribbean.

Colombian Caribbean deep-sea benthic environment where this study took place is mainly soft muddy bottoms.

25 towed camera transects about 3 hours each, taking pictures every 20 seconds in 4 survey areas. ROV video surveys in across pattern from a central point around 80-100 meters north, south, east, west.

The samples and image data analyzed in this study was obtained through exploration activities by Anadarko Colombia Company (ACC), a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (APC), which was acquired by Occidental Petroleum on Aug. 8, 2019. This work was facilitated by Ecopetrol, TDI Brooks, and Fugro. Towed Camera images were collected by CSA Ocean Science Inc. and SERPORT S.A. during contracted exploration surveys. LFD was supported by the Colciencias Post- Doctoral Program (Fondo Nacional de Financiamiento para la Ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación “Francisco José de Caldas”, Convocatoria 2017, Número 784).