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.