Exciting observations were also accomplished regarding the associated fish fauna with a new labrid occurrence recorded for the archipelago (Lapanella fasciata). This species was recurrently found in close association with hidrarian fronds that grew to ~80 cm tall (right).

The Formigas seamount (left) is an important seamount located on the eastern part of the Azores archipelago and has been designated as an SAC, an OSPAR MPA and a Nature Reserve declared under the Azorean network of protected areas.

This expedition was the first to intensively exploit the capabilities of the new ROV acquired by DOP/UAz (below). Surveys were successfully conducted down to 190 m deep in an effort to survey the circalittoral assemblages which are still poorly documented in the region and identify potential coral grounds.