A new ROV storage device for deep-sea sampling

Abstract

Sampling deep-sea biota is a significant challenge because of the logistics required, in terms of vessels and equipment, to obtain minimally preserved specimens. Traditional methods (trawls, nets, and dredges) cause physical damage, stress, and even contamination during the process of removal from the seabed and their displacement through the water column to the surface. Preserving conditions similar to those found in situ is particularly important when the sampling strives to maintain living organisms and for analyses where contamination or degradation by stress or damage may interfere with the results. Therefore, for the sampling and storage of this biota with less interference, a polypropylene box was designed based on the model of Kellogg et al. (2009) incorporating adaptations to be used by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). This new device has been successfully used in eight oceanographic campaigns, adequately performing for sediment and biota sampling, including coral reef forming or framework species (Scleractinia), octocorals, associated fauna, and rhodoliths, at depths between 50 and 900 m.