Experience of Using the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle MMT-3000 for Research on Benthic Communities in Antartica.

The article describes the features and results of using the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) MMT-3000 for research of Antarctic ecosystems and deep-sea biological resources of the South Seas. The methodology for working with an AUV in the extreme conditions of Antarctica and the technical solutions used to visually assess the distribution of bottom animals are discussed. The results of processing the data obtained by AUV during deep-sea missions in the Atlantic sector of the Antarctic during the expedition of the RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh (cruise 79) in 2020 are presented. At the same time, the data of image analysis and trawl catch were compared. Based on the experience gained, the requirements to be implemented in the new AUV MMT-3500, which is designed and manufactured to effectively carry out deep-sea research in subsequent expeditions in the Southern Ocean, are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]