This past December, a NOAA team, aboard the Okeanos Explorer, conducted the first of three month-long studies of the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico, with the dual aim of exploring the diversity of deep-water habitats and mapping the seafloor. Using a mix of remote-operated submersibles (ROVs), and shore-based instruments, the team brought back stunning images of previously unexplored areas.

Deep-sea anglerfish are strange and elusive creatures that are very rarely observed in their natural habitat. This little angler, about 9 cm long, is also known as the Black Seadevil and it lives in the deep dark waters of the Monterey Canyon. It was observed for the first time at 600 m (1900ft) on a midwater research expedition in November 2014. It is believed to be the first video footage ever made of this species alive and at depth.