The objective of this project is the investigation of the structure and functioning of different CWC successional habitats (living, dead and buried corals), in order to understand the response of the CWC to a changing ocean. Therefore, we identified 4 specific objectives which will allow us to get insight in the distribution of these CWC habitats (objective 1), the responsible environmental drivers (objective 2), the associated (molecular and morphological) biodiversity (objective 3) and the connectivity between distinct CWC habitats at different spatial scales (objective 4). We will concentrate our study on the Bay of Biscay by providing multiple-scale analysis of habitat mapping, environmental characterisation, biodiversity patterns and processes of interconnectivity. However, comparisons will be made through European-US collaboration with other regions at both sides of the Atlantic in order to understand amphi- and trans-Atlantic distribution patterns and processes. This project is part of the 7th EC Framework Programme Hermione (Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man's Impact On European Seas) (2011-2013).This monitoring project aims to execute a continuous research on the effects of the exploitation of non-living resources of the territorial sea and the continental shelf on the sedimentary movements and the marine environment (Law of 13 June 1969 on the exploration and exploitation of non-living resources of the territorial sea and the continental shelf). Belgian national research program.

The area in between the Audierne and St. Nazaire canyons (Gascogne) along the Armorican margin was one of the areas where the "massifs coralliens" were described for the very first time. Within the framework of the HERMES (EC FP6), MiCROSYSTEMS (ESF) and GeNeSis (FWO) projects, this area will be surveyed using multibeam and high resolution seismics during LEG 1. Based on this site survey, the ROV Genesis will be deployed to carry out detailed mapping of these deep-water "hot-spots". Also the hydrography and sediment dynamics of this area will be studied with respect to the steering of the present ecosystems. LEG 2 will focus on the Galicia bank. This location has been assigned as reference area within the ESF project BIOFUN. In addition to a bathymetric and seismic surveying, also biological sampling and experiments are planned here.The BELCOLOUR-2 project aims at improving the quality of existing optical remote sensing products for marine, coastal and inland waters based on new scientific knowledge and to develop new products (including partial pressure of CO2 and primary production) for key applications such as aquaculture and air-sea CO2 flux quantification. This project takes place in the frame of the research program for earth observation 'STEREO' of the Federal Science Policy.

The Western Iberian Margin (WIM) the area of interest for this cruise is located at the slope of the Southwest coast of Portugal (depths from 200 to 800 meters), where otter trawling is occurring on a continuous base, targeting Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). The area includes fishing grounds with different levels of impact (from no fishing to intense trawling and fixed nets). We identified three main objectives for this sampling campaign: 1) Identify areas of high and low fishing intensity by means of side scan sonar and ROV exploration 2) Sample different areas/depths between 200 and 1000 m water depth for benthos with box corer and multiple corer 3) Collect sediments from the fished and the non‐fished site with box corer or multiple corer for onboard experiments in which different measures of ecosystem functioning will be measured 4) Collect colonization trays at food fall site with the ROV (uAveiro)