Longline trap data collected during R/V Weatherbird II cruise, Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf and DeSoto Canyon, October 8-17, 2012, WB-1307

This dataset reports species caught using longline traps during the R/V Weatherbird II cruise in the Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf and DeSoto Canyon from October 8-17, 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. Additional files in the dataset report bait used, gear, effort, and sea state, 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 and community ecology of collected taxa. These data will also be used in an effort to evaluate the biological diversity and trophic interactions among organisms ranging from primary producers to apex predators and from the deep-sea benthos to the coast. These data contribute to a food web model used to determine risks to ecosystem structure and function and regional economies following from extreme anthropogenic events (e.g., discharged and background hydrocarbon) and adaptive management strategies.