Nature & function of benthic bioluminescence
Project Manager/Lead Engineer: Gene Massion
Lead Scientist: Edith A. Widder

This proposal is part of a continuing effort to develop methods for observing ocean communities unobtrusively. Specifically, I would like to deploy a recently developed deep-sea observatory called Eye-in-the-Sea in Monterey Canyon. This low-light-level video camera is coupled to a far-red illumination source and can be triggered by bioluminescence. Because so little is known about deep-sea benthic bioluminescence I also propose to do an exploratory study of the nature and function of bioluminescence in benthic communities using my underwater  ISIT video camera and shipboard imaging systems in combination with the stimulation and capture capabilities of the ROV.