Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential

As soon as the samples were brought to the surface, they were removed from the ROV’s bioboxes, and the processing began. First, the samples were organized and tagged. Then, to avoid contamination that may be introduced later in the processing, samples were "subsampled" (small pieces were taken) for a variety of purposes:

• All samples were subsampled for DNA archiving and identification.
• Some sponges were subsampled and then their cells were separated and frozen for HBOI’s sponge biobank.
• Two samples were subsampled each day for microbial culture (which enables microbes to multiply) for the microbial libraries at HBOI and Mote Marine Lab.

After this initial subsampling, each sample was photographed and then further subsampled for a quick chemistry analysis and a voucher to be stored and made available for future taxonomic studies. Whatever was left of the sample after all the subsampling was frozen for future chemical studies and testing to evaluate their pharmaceutical potential.

While at sea, the team was also interested in documenting fish, invasive coral, and trash. Unfortunately, they saw very few fish during most dives, which suggested the areas have been overfished. While they did see many invasive lionfish, they didn’t see any invasive corals at the depths they visited.

Despite the many successful collections, the expedition wasn’t all smooth sailing. Prior to departure, the team had difficulties setting expedition dates and getting the required research permits. While at sea, bad weather, seasick teammates, and issues with the ship and the ROV presented anticipated and unanticipated challenges. Yet, through it all, team members persevered: the ship crew worked all night to repair the ship’s engine, the ROV crew operated for most of the expedition without the ability to track the ROV, and the science crew stepped in and helped wherever they could. The exemplary teamwork made for a pleasant expedition and contributed to its success.

Back on shore, samples and subsamples collected during the expedition have been stored in and will be shared via a suite of long-term repositories to enable future biopharmaceutical research and development. In the near term, select samples are being studied for identification purposes and others are being processed further and will be tested to determine their biotechnological potential. Knowledge gained as a result of this work will contribute to the treatment and prevention of existing and emerging illnesses and diseases.