Observations of in situ deep-sea marine bioluminescence with a high-speed, high-resolution sCMOS camera

• We present a new, state-of-the-art method to image and quantify marine bioluminescence.
• We present results collected using multiple platforms in three separate oceanic regions.
• The system’s ability to quantify bioluminescence is demonstrated.
• The kinematics of bioluminescence was observed in several animals.
• We place this method in context with previous efforts to image and quantify bioluminescence in situ.

Observing and measuring marine bioluminescence in situ presents unique challenges, characterized by the difficult task of approaching and imaging weakly illuminated bodies in a three-dimensional environment. To address this problem, a scientific complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (sCMOS) microscopy camera was outfitted for deep-sea imaging of marine bioluminescence. This system was deployed on multiple platforms (manned submersible, remotely operated vehicle, and towed body) in three oceanic regions (Western Tropical Pacific, Eastern Equatorial Pacific, and Northwestern Atlantic) to depths up to 2500 m. Using light stimulation, bioluminescent responses were recorded at high frame rates and in high resolution, offering unprecedented low-light imagery of deep-sea bioluminescence in situ. The kinematics of light production in several zooplankton groups was observed, and luminescent responses at different depths were quantified as intensity vs. time. These initial results signify a clear advancement in the bioluminescent imaging methods available for observation and experimentation in the deep-sea.

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