The peracarid crustacean order Mictacea is represented by only a single species, Mictocaris halope, from inland marine caves in Bermuda. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009
September 5 - September 30, 2009
Highlight video of the Bermuda Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 expedition.
Deep water marine caves represent one of the Earth's last largely unexplored frontiers of un-discovered fauna. More than 150 limestone caves are known from the island of Bermuda, many of which have extensive, but relatively shallow submerged portions that connect to the sea via tidal springs along the coastline. These inland caves are inhabited by a number of diverse eyeless and colorless crustaceans and other invertebrates. Many of these organisms are “living fossils” and some are most closely related to deep-sea organisms. The existence of ancient cave species and the fact that all known Bermuda caves were dry and air filled during Ice Age periods of lower sea level suggests that an alternate, now deep water cave habitat must have existed in Bermuda. Thus, Bermuda offers an idea location to search for and to study deep water caves.
While previous investigations of marine caves have been limited to those within shallow (< 50m) depths, current research suggests that caves can occur at almost any depth within the sea. The geological history of Bermuda coupled with biological evidence indicates a strong possibility for the presence of deepwater caves near the island.
The submerged entrance to Green Bay Cave (top center), the longest known cave in Bermuda, is located at the end of a small bay off Harrington Sound. Click image for larger view and image credit.
Overhead view of Bermuda showing the island and the reef platform. Click image for larger view and image credit.
In order to gain further insight into the origin, evolution and distribution of life in submarine caves, it is necessary to first discover these deep water caves, and then investigate their nature and the possible relationships between shallow water cave fauna and (as yet undiscovered) animals from deep water caves.
Through a three-step approach, a series of expeditions will explore the seas surrounding Bermuda to search for deep water caves. First, multi-beam sonar will be used to survey the area and create a high-resolution map of the sea floor. Investigators will look for cave entrances directly, as well as indirect indicators of the cave presence (schools of fish, plumes of “shimmering water”). The second step will involve a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to investigate sites identified by the multi-beam. Finally, divers using mixed gas rebreathers will locate and investigate deep water caves. The specific goals of this exploration are to characterize the natural history of the Bermuda platform, discover deep water cave habitats, determine the origin and age of such caves, and observe and collect deep water cave fauna for comparison with species inhabiting Bermuda's shallow caves.
You can access the Ocean Explorer Bermuda: Search for Deep Water Caves 2009 News Feed here: 
