Diet secrets of the deep and fathomous

Recent research efforts by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have advanced our understanding of the feeding relationships within open ocean food webs by carefully detailing who eats whom. Gathering this type of information is a necessary step towards conservation of ocean species and ecosystems. Studying the diets of deep-sea animals is a formidable challenge. The scientists analyzed 27-years of video footage collected by deep-diving, remotely operated submersibles. Results reveal a food web that is far more complex than previously known, with a dynamic assemblage of jellies, squids, fishes, worms, and crustaceans feeding on one another in a variety of permutations, to sustain life in the deep sea.

For more information visit: https://www.mbari.org/unique-field-su...

Video editing: Susan von Thun, Kyra Schlining
Script and narration: Anela Choy
Music: Imua Garza (www.imuagarza.com)
Production support: Steve Haddock, Bruce Robison, Lonny Lundsten, Linda Kuhnz

Special thanks to: Steve Haddock (albatross video) and Ali Bayless (lancetfish gut content video)

Publication citation:
Choy, C. A., Haddock, S. H. D., Robison, B. H. Deep pelagic food web structure as revealed by in situ feeding observations. Proc. R. Soc. B. 284 20171767. DOI:10.1098/rspb.2017.2116. Published 6 December 2017.