24 July 2016 Under the Sea in the ROV

Today I had an amazing opportunity to sit in the control van during a benthic ROV dive. Picture a metal cargo body with multiple computer screens and equipment. The pilot, the "retrieving arm" operator, a scientist, a recorder, and another person to keep watch so the memory cards on the recording cameras were exchanged as memory was used up filled the space. When the lights were dimmed it seemed as if we were descending under the ocean, and throughout the hours-long dive that feeling remained. We are in relatively shallow water (around 500 meters), so it only took about half an hour to reach bottom. Once there, angles and focus on the cameras could be adjusted to provide optimal viewing. If something needing a closer look was seen, then the unit moved closer and camera focus narrowed. The ROV has twelve collecting canisters and a collecting drawer for specimens, and it was something special to watch the skill with which the pilot and the person manning the retrieving arm worked together. Specimens could be "vacuumed" up or collected using a pincer-like hand.

Some of the most enchanting sights of the day were the multiple "dancing" brittle stars and perhaps-as-yet unnamed species of jellyfish. Among other specimens, a snailfish was retrieved for further study. It looked tiny on the control screen, and I was surprised by its size once on the boat.

This squid was collected during a previous ROV dive.

Dr. Iken did a great job of explaining how the ROV works, and throughout the dive, as organisms were viewed, she called them out to be recorded. Although she said the ROV is not her usual tool for studying benthic sealife, the ROV provides another perspective of benthic organisms and their behavior in their natural habitat. I am enjoying seeing how all of the components of this research expedition are coming together to give a more comprehensive picture of Arctic life.

Bringing up the ROV and unloading specimen canisters after a benthic dive. Notice the collecting drawer on the bottom front. The canisters are located behind the drawer/under the ROV.

Question Of The Day

What are some benefits of studying organisms with the ROV?