Delta Submersible Surveys of MPAs
Manned submersibles like the Delta are used to study waters deeper than can be effectively surveyed by shallow-water remotely operated vehicles (ROV) or SCUBA. In an effort to examine the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) located along the central California coast, we conduct quantitative, visual strip transects tocharacterize seafloor habitats and identify, count and measure species of demersal fishes and macro-invertebrates.
DeepSee, Cocos Island and Las Gemelas Seamounts
In September 2009, scientists from the U.S. National Geographic Society, University of Costa Rica, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Ocean Research & Conservation Association and the University of California conducted an exploration of the deep waters (down to 400m) off the coast of Costa Rica. During this expedition, the Undersea Hunter’s DeepSee submersible was used to conduct quantitative surveys off of Cocos Island and Las Gemelas seamounts. The objectives of the cruise were to gather information about demersal fishes and macroinvertebrates, evaluate zonation of these organisms, conduct observational surveys of macroplankton and collect images of habitats and species to inform governmental decisions regarding marine protection.