Scientists capture first-ever footage of elusive predators in Caribbean depths

In August 2023, scientists studied the unknown depths Cayman Islands deployed a purpose-built underwater camera system called a dBRUV (deep Baited Remote Underwater Video). The device, designed specifically for deep-sea biodiversity studies, featured a sardine-filled bait cage suspended in front of a camera capable of recording at extreme depths.

The result? Almost 11 minutes of footage showing the elusive suede dog shark (Centroscymnus owstonii). Scientists described their first glimpse of the shark as a “shadow swimming just beyond (the camera’s) detection window.” Moments later, the predator approached the bait, providing an unprecedented opportunity to study the species alive in its natural habitat.

Unlocking the Caribbean’s underwater secrets

The rawhide dog hat observations are more than scientific news; they represent one historically first. According to the study published on November 28, 2023, i Journal of Fish Biologythis is first ever recorded footage of the species in the Cayman Islands and the surrounding central Caribbean Sea. Until now, encounters with the species were limited to:

• Dead specimens recovered as by-catch in fisheries.
• Sharks accidentally caught in deep-sea trawls or crab nets.

The team noted the pioneering nature of their findings and called them a testament to the value of non-invasive examination methods for deep sea research.

High-tech tools reveal the unseen

The dBRUV system was critical to achieving this milestone. The camera system, designed to operate at depths of 3,500 feet (1.07 kilometers), remained submerged for hours at a time, quietly observing the underwater world. Key highlights of the footage include:

• A total of 54 shark passes were recorded during the survey, with more sharks likely present.
• Clear documentation of the predator’s behavior near the bait, providing fresh insight into its feeding habits.

“This is an excellent example of how advanced technologies are reshaping our understanding of life in the deep sea,” the researchers emphasized in their report.

Why this matters: The fight to preserve biodiversity

Marine ecosystems are among the most fragile on the planet. The suede dog shark, with its cryptic behavior and preference for inaccessible depths, highlights the challenges of conserving species we barely know. Conservationists argue that such discoveries are essential to:

• Identification of critical habitat and migration patterns.
• Developing strategies to mitigate the effects of deep-sea fishing, which often disrupts these ecosystems.

The Cayman Islands, a British overseas territory south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, serve as an important site for biodiversity studies. Efforts like these provide an invaluable window into the hidden richness of its marine environment.

Scientists are leading the charge

This ground-breaking work was made possible by an interdisciplinary team of scientists including Olivia Dixon, Shannon Aldridge, Johanna Kohler, Anne Veeder, Paul Chin, Teresa Fernandes, Timothy Austin, Rupert Ormond, Mauvis Gore, Diego Vaz and Austin Gallagher. Their expertise and use of innovative technologies set new benchmarks for deep-sea exploration.

The discovery of the dog shark is a clear indicator of untapped potential of non-invasive research tools. Unlike traditional methods such as fishing and trawling, which often harm marine life, video-based systems like dBRUV allow researchers to study species with minimal ecological disturbance.

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