Nature and function of benthic bioluminescence
Lead Scientist: Edith A. Widder

This project is part of a continuing effort to develop methods for observing ocean communities unobtrusively. The deep-sea observatory, Eye-in-the-Sea, will be deployed in Monterey Canyon to observe the bioluminescent behaviors in two soft coral communities—Umbellula lindahli and Anthomastus ritteri. 

Eye-in-the-Sea will be deployed from ROV Ventana, which will also be used to collect specimens for shore-based experiments. Specifications are being drawn up to make Eye-in-the-Sea compatible with the MOOS mooring.