>>39673566https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/3258There are several ways to observe and experiment with live deep-sea animals. One way is to bring the experiments to where the animals live naturally. For example, it is possible to deploy a trap that attracts and collects a certain kind of animal, such as shrimp. A scientist can then measure the oxygen consumption of this organism using oxygen electrodes and a recording device that has been deployed with the trap. After the measurements are done, the trap can be released from its weight and returned to the surface. The shrimp remains in the deep sea.
Another possibility for experimentation is to collect animals at depth with a submarine, such as Alvin, bring them to the surface, and quickly re-pressurize them in high-pressure aquaria. Seawater is pumped into these aquaria using hydraulic pumps and released again through valves that are used to adjust the pressure within the tanks. Many animals survive extended periods of time under these artificial conditions. Experiments can then be done with detectors and sensors that have been placed inside the pressure aquaria. Re-pressurization only works, however, if animals survive the short period of time between collection, return to the surface at normal atmospheric pressure, and transfer into the aquaria. Many deep-sea animals survive this period of a few minutes as long as the scientist keeps them cold while being brought to the surface.
– Horst Felbeck, professor of marine biology, Marine Biology Research Division
