DeepFSL – a low cost bimodal observation system for deep sea ecosystem research

The researchers will design and build a prototype of a new oceanic instrument, the DeepFSL, which will collect both conventional video and passive acoustic data to study the deep sea ecosystem. The research will be incorporated into UMASS undergraduate education, providing students with a unique opportunity to study deep sea ecosystems via new observational technology. The data gleaned will also help resource managers move toward ecosystem management.