Longline trap data collected during F/V St. Andrew Bay cruise, Northern Shelf and DeSoto Canyon, July 1 – 6, 2012, SAB-1201

This dataset reports species caught using longline traps during the F/V St. Andrew Bay cruise in the Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf and DeSoto Canyon from July 1 – 6 , 2012. Species data includes species name, sex, weight, length, and maturity state, if available. We also report if samples were collected from individuals for other analysis, though the results of those analyses are not reported here. Information about the longlines set includes bait used, gear, effort, and sea state. Additional files in the dataset report pressure and temperature data collected during longline trapping activities. The overall objectives of this research include using large chevron traps and demersal longlines to describe and examine differences in the species assemblages and relative abundances of demersal fishes associated with the eastern and western walls of DeSoto Canyon and the adjacent continental slope (75-2000 m deep) and collecting specimens and samples (including curation of new species) to aid in resolving phylogenetic uncertainties and understanding life history traits in collected taxa.