Search

Many animals build complex structures to aid in their survival, but very few are built exclusively from materials that animals create 1,2. In the midwaters of the ocean, mucoid structures are readily secreted by numerous animals, and serve many vital functions3,4. However, little is known about these mucoid structures owing to the challenges of observing them in the deep sea. Among these mucoid forms, the ‘houses’ of larvaceans are marvels of nature5, and in the ocean twilight zone giant larvaceans secrete and build mucus filtering structures that can reach diameters of more than 1 m6. Here we describe in situ laser-imaging technology7that reconstructs three-dimensional models of mucus forms. The models provide high-resolution views of giant larvacean houses and elucidate the role that house structure has in food capture and predator avoidance. Now that tools exist to study mucus structures found throughout the ocean, we can shed light on some of nature’s most complex forms.

Describes the different animals that inhabit the marine world. Quest to understand nature and behavior of marine mammals; Capabilities of underwater vehicles such as the Deep Rover and Ventana used in research; Use by midwater animals of bioluminescence in a variety of ways; Sensitivity of gelatinous animals to light; Observation of animals' feeding and migration patterns. INSET: Exploring the midwaters with camera and robot..

Long-term declines in oxygen concentrations are evident throughout much of the ocean interior and are particularly acute in midwater oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). These regions are defined by extremely low oxygen concentrations (<20–45 μmol kg−1), cover wide expanses of the ocean, and are associated with productive oceanic and coastal regions. OMZs have expanded over the past 50 years, and this expansion is predicted to continue as the climate warms worldwide. Shoaling of the upper boundaries of the OMZs accompanies OMZ expansion, and decreased oxygen at shallower depths can affect all marine organisms through multiple direct and indirect mechanisms. Effects include altered microbial processes that produce and consume key nutrients and gases, changes in predator-prey dynamics, and shifts in the abundance and accessibility of commercially fished species. Although many species will be negatively affected by these effects, others may expand their range or exploit new niches. OMZ shoaling is thus likely to have major and far-reaching consequences.

Little is known about the reproductive habits of deep-living squids. Using remotely operated vehicles in the deep waters of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, we have found evidence of mating, i.e. implanted sperm packages, on similar body locations in males and females of the rarely seen mesopelagic squid Octopoteuthis deletron. Equivalent numbers of both sexes were found to have mated, indicating that male squid routinely and indiscriminately mate with both males and females. Most squid species are short-lived, semelparous (i.e. with a single, brief reproductive period) and promiscuous. In the deep, dark habitat where O. deletronlives, potential mates are few and far between. We suggest that same-sex mating behaviour by O. deletronis part of a reproductive strategy that maximizes success by inducing males to indiscriminately and swiftly inseminate every conspecific that they encounter.

Abstract. The effects of temperature on the development of marine invertebrates have been studied primarily in benthic species. For this study, gametes were collected from Nanomia bijuga, a mesopelagic siphonophore, and were self‐crossed. Fertilized eggs kept at 8 and 12°C developed more slowly at the lower temperature. Developing stages were preserved after 2, 4, 6, and 9 days of development for comparative analysis with SEM. Concurrent experiments compared survival. Eggs collected from two additional colonies were placed in four temperature treatments: 4, 8, 12, and 18°C. The young developed normally in all treatments, but survived longer at lower temperatures. Young of N. bijugawill develop to siphonulae possessing tentacles, nematocysts, and a functional gastrozooid without being fed. Nonetheless, it is likely that food constraints, rather than temperature, limited survival in this study.

Explores types of fishes living in deep-sea environment. Evolution of deep-sea fishes; Deep sea ecology; Zones of the water column of the open ocean; Feeding strategy of deep-sea predatory fishes.

Presents samples of technological innovations under development or already at work in Monterey Bay, California that have significant applicability to sanctuary research. Research ships; Development of a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) vessel; Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs); Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs); Manned submersibles; Ventana, a science vehicle; Mooring system.