A-55, 



2. Three major depth zones were identified. The shelf 

 and shelf-break region was dominated by crustaceans and fish. 

 The upper slope was dominated by fish, while the lower slope 

 was characterized by high concentrations of echinoderms. 

 Individual species had more restricted depth ranges within 

 these zones. Gradual faunal replacement with depth was 

 observed. 



3. No discrete faunal assemblages were identified. 

 Community analysis indicated that the distributions of the 

 dominant taxa were independent. This implies that the factors 

 controlling each of these organisms are slightly different. 



4. Faunal densities were highest on the shelf and at 

 the slope-continental rise boundary. In general higher faunal 

 densities were noted in the canyons than on the slope. This 

 supports the hypothesis that canyons are areas of nutrient 

 enrichment. 



5. Canyon walls were identified as unique habitats. 

 They provide a variety of substrate types which in turn deter- 

 mines the distribution of various taxa. Sessile species that 

 require hard substrates were restricted to canyon areas. 

 Canyons also support a greater variety of tropic types than 

 does the adjacent slope - 



6. Several types of faunal associations were noted. 

 The most obvious was the occurrence of the ophiurid Asteronyx 

 loveni in gorgonian colonies. This ophiurid was always seen 

 tightly coiled in the branches of several species of coral. 



