We were able to pick up this colony of pink coral still attached to a rock without breaking any branches.

The ROV pilots used the manipulator arm to pick up this colony of pink coral still attached to a rock — without breaking any branches. The manipulator claw is about 9-in long, but the skilled ROV pilots can pick up items as small as a dime from the sea floor. Image courtesy of NOAA/MBARI 2006.

Related Links

Davidson Seamount: Exploring Ancient Coral Gardens

Davidson Seamount: Exploring Ancient Coral Gardens — January 29 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery