Abstract
Three nodes in the Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON) network on the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) contain an upward looking, multi-frequency echosounder system. Data was collected from November 2017–December 2020 at these sites extending from the OCS waters of Virginia down to Florida. Along shelf backscatter comparisons were made for general scattering groups related to fish and zooplankton across time and latitude. Unique seasonal patterns were observed across sites both in terms of volume backscatter magnitude and community structure. Measurements made within this research program will serve as a baseline for pattern and trend analyses of acoustic backscatter related to ecosystem components of this traditionally under sampled, offshore region. Study concept, oversight, and funding were provided by BOEM under Contract No. M16PC00003, in partnership with ONR and NOAA. Funding for ship time was provided under separate contracts by ONR, Code 32.