Parker Bank

Bottom Depth Range: 185-475 feet (56-145 meters)

Parker Bank harbors significant mesophotic habitat that is dominated by black corals, gorgonians, fish, sponges, algae and invertebrates. A large field of abundant Hypnogorgia gorgonians was encountered during ROV surveys, as well as high relief ridges providing plenty of habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Parker Bank is named after Frances L. Parker, an oceanographer from Scripps. This is the only significant bank in the region that is named after a woman.

A large white gorgonian with basket stars curled up in its branches — One of many *Hypnogorgia* gorgonians at Parker Bank

Two marbled groupers swimming over deep habitat interspersed with small black corals — A pair of Marbled Grouper at Parker Bank

Leafy green algae, bushy black corals and skinny white sea whips cover the sea floor along with a few sponges. Small reef fish school just above. — A large black coral at Parker Bank