The exploration of the deep sea by scientists is extremely difficult and can be risky. Nevertheless, the development of technology in recent times, allowing the construction of safe submarines, has contributed to the significant progress of ocean research. The unique geomorphological features of Roatán Island and the availability of the Idabel submersible provide a rare opportunity to explore the Caribbean deep sea, and to study organisms and their environments down to about 800 meters. Our preliminary investigations allowed us to examine crinoid assemblages in detail. Gathered data will hopefully provide us information on their growth, lifespan and ecology, which may be particularly useful in terms of appropriate interpretation of the fossil record.
The island margin of Isla de Roatán is a unique place of outstanding scientific and didactic values, with one of the longestcoral reef and an astonishing fauna inhabiting the deep sea zones. The unique geomorphological conditions enable to perform shore-based submersible operations at great depths. In this paper a short report from our dive down to about 650 m is presented. Our preliminary dive was used to document a diverse faunal assemblage, which allowed for a better understanding of the fossil record.
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