A mixed hard and soft bottom community was observed on Cortes bank. Rocky substrates included slabs of possible phosphorite encrusted with multiple deep-sea sponges species. Other invertebrates included fragile pink urchins (Strongylocentrotus fragilis) feeding on drift kelp debris and squat lobsters using rocks as shelter. A large deep-sea skate (Bathyraja abyssicola) was seen on the softer substrate.

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