The Football

In September 2014, researchers explored an area known as "The Football" using a remotely operated vehicle, or an ROV. This area is ~37 kilometers (25 miles) west of Jenner, CA and the mouth of the Russian River.

The mission was to document the deep-water habitats and associated species.

"The Football" provides nursery-like habitat for skates, sharks and other fish.

There are important features such as large boulder-like strata and rocky outcrops that form ledges and overhangs.

These ledges support many adult and juvenile rockfish species.