We are pleased to present you with the fourth in a series of teaching and learning modules developed by the DEEPEND (Deep-Pelagic Nekton Dynamics) Consortium and their consultants. Whenever possible, the lessons will focus specifically on events of the Gulf of Mexico or work from the DEEPEND scientists.

All modules in this series aim to engage students in grades 6 through 12 in STEM disciplines, while promoting student learning of the marine environment. We hope these lessons enable teachers to address student misconceptions and apprehensions regarding the unique organisms and properties of marine ecosystems. We intend for these modules to be a guide for teaching. Teachers are welcome to use the lessons in any order, use just portions of lessons, and may modify the lessons as they wish. Furthermore, educators may share these lessons with other school districts and teachers; however, please do not receive monetary gain for lessons in any of the modules.

Download the module here...

A close up profile of an adult anglerfish female from the Linophryne family collected in the northern region of the Gulf of Mexico. © 2016 DEEPEND/ Dante Fenolio

Descend two hundred meters (about 656 feet) below the surface and the ocean is reduced to total darkness. Creatures that live beyond the Twilight Zone spend their lives almost entirely in a near-limitless black expanse, save for a group of luminous fishes, invertebrates and bacteria that have evolved a special adaptation: bioluminescence.

Bioluminescence is the predominant source of light in the largest fraction of the habitable volume of the earth—the deep ocean. It’s thought that 90 percent of open ocean organisms produce light of some kind, and that this ability that has evolved many times. It serves a few predictable purposes, like possibly signaling to members of the same species or illuminating prey, along with some capricious ones like the ability to eject luminescent body parts in order to distract a predator.

Read the entire article here

Thanks to all who stopped by the DEEPEND booth at the Fort Lauderdale Boat show.  The show was a success despite a very rainy day on Saturday!  Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out in the booth:

Rich Jones
Joe Lopez
Alex Marks
Rosanna Milligan
Mike Novotny
Nina Pruzinsky
Guillaume Rieucau
Sam Shore
Laura Timm
Sebastian Velez
Megan Weber
Blake Wilkins

The club is honored to have Professor Tracey Sutton speak about his research. He is the director and lead principal investigator of the "Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics Consortium (DEEPEND)",  Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University.  "Life and Death in the Deep Ocean" will detail what happens in the "dark" ocean that we never visit, and why it is so important.  This will be a fascinating talk that U will not want to miss. Plus great food and drinks at Shenanigans East Side Pub at a very reasonable price, awesome company, and free door prizes.  cheers, arthur

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