Mega-Compilation of Deep Sea Diversity Near Johnston Atoll
Ready to be bamboozled by a bamboo coral taller than ROV Hercules? While exploring two deep-sea seamounts southeast of Johnston Atoll mapped last year by E/V Nautilus, the team has spotted an abundance of wonderful deep sea creatures who call the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument home during the first few dives of our NA153 expedition.
Have you ever seen a sea star predating on another sea star (in this case, a Brisingid)? How about a sponge stalk that’s become prime habitat to ophiuroid brittle stars, crinoids, echinoderms, stalked hydroids, and different anemomes? Spot a bottom-feeding cusk eel (Ophidiidae), fan-favorite Chaunocops anglerfish, and tall colorful corals like primnoids as you watch ROVs Hercules and Atalanta explore the seafloor.
Only a few dives into the expedition and our Corps of Exploration is already recording and documenting stunning deep sea biology in the region. Enjoy a quarter of an hour of stunning deep sea biology including dense (and likely ancient) coral gardens filled with associates, a zoanthid-carrying Parapaguridae hermit crab, and stunning Iridogorgia spiral corals. From deep sea sponges and kumba rattail fish to squat lobsters and sea spiders, this highlight video has it all!
Deep Sea Biodiversity & Ancient Seamount Exploration near Johnston Atoll
In August 2023, we will return to the Central Pacific for 27 days of exploration within the Johnston Atoll Unit of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM), starting and ending in Honolulu.
