This fast-paced expedition was strategically designed to gather large volumes of data within a limited timeframe, requiring precision, agility, and collaboration across three expert research teams. The mission focused on three key objectives: shark tagging, deployment of Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs), and overnight deep-sea camera drops.

Shark tagging efforts targeted species navigating through the Exuma Sound and into the Tongue of the Ocean. By sampling individuals already in transit between shallow and deep waters, researchers captured vital data on movement, health, and behavior. Sharks encountered included Great Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Blacktips, and Nurse Sharks—each offering unique insights into this critical migratory zone.

BRUV deployments, while less glamorous, play a vital role in documenting reef-associated biodiversity. These baited camera rigs were positioned near structures and reef systems, left undisturbed for 4–6 hours to capture footage of marine inhabitants. The videos provide essential data on species presence, abundance, and behavior patterns.

The most technically demanding part of the expedition involved deploying deep-sea drop cameras—engineered to withstand pressures at depths beyond 800 meters. These high-value systems are lowered to the ocean floor, where they film baited interactions for several hours before being retrieved via acoustic signal. Recovery operations are high-stakes as a $25,000 piece of equipment is expected to surface, with the holy grail of deep water footage.

The outcome of this mission was highly successful, yielding rich footage and data from both shallow and extreme depths—contributing to a greater understanding of the lesser-known layers of the ocean ecosystem.