A routine pilot training dive turned into a groundbreaking scientific discovery when a SEAmagine Aurora submersible, equipped with a SubC Imaging 1Cam Mk6 deep-sea camera, captured the first-ever recorded sighting of a prickly shark in French Polynesia. Read more >>
The observation, made at a depth of 500 meters off the island of Moorea, marks a significant milestone in marine research, underscoring the value of advanced submersible technology in deep-sea exploration.
SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation, a leader in personal submersible manufacturing, has been at the forefront of deep-sea exploration since 1995. Specializing in the design and production of two- to seven-person submersibles, SEAmagine’s technology is widely used across scientific, research, and private sectors.
With more than 12,000 dives conducted at depths ranging from 100 to 2,300 meters, their submersibles have proven instrumental in uncovering marine mysteries. The Aurora submersible involved in this discovery exemplifies their commitment to innovation, offering a stable, maneuverable platform for deep-sea observation.
Beyond its use on manned submersibles, the SubC Imaging 1Cam Mk6 is also a powerful tool for unmanned underwater vehicles such as ROVs and AUVs. Its robust design and high-quality imaging capabilities make it ideal for remote deep-sea exploration, scientific research, and industrial inspections, ensuring that even the most inaccessible underwater environments can be effectively monitored and documented.
The Discovery: A Rare Encounter at 500 Meters
During a training dive aboard a privately owned yacht, the SEAmagine team encountered a mature male prickly shark (Echinorhinus cookei) on the outer slope of the barrier reef near Moorea. This marked the first documented presence of the species in French Polynesia.
The significance of this sighting was recognized in the peer-reviewed journal “Cybium, The International Journal of Ichthyology”, in a paper titled “First record of prickly shark Echinorhinus cookei (Pietschmann, 1928) (Chondrichthyes: Echinorhinidae) in French Polynesia (Eastern Tropical Pacific)”.
Understanding the Prickly Shark
A member of the Echinorhinidae family, the prickly shark is a slow-moving deepwater species distinguished by thorn-like dermal denticles and two small dorsal fins. Growing up to four meters in length, these sharks inhabit depths between 11 and 580 meters and are primarily nocturnal. Due to their vulnerability to deep-sea trawling and longline fishing, the species is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
High-Performance Imaging in the Deep Sea
The SEAmagine Aurora submersible utilized in the discovery was outfitted with the SubC 1Cam Mk6, a sixth-generation subsea camera rated for depths of up to 6,000 meters. Featuring a 20x optical zoom lens, the 1Cam Mk6 provides high-resolution 4K and HD video recording alongside 16.6MP digital stills. The system’s ability to transfer footage and data in real time via USB ensures immediate accessibility to researchers and scientists, reinforcing the importance of high-quality imaging in oceanographic studies.
The Role of Citizen Science in Ocean Exploration
Manned submersibles, like those engineered by SEAmagine, are not just tools for professional scientists; they are increasingly accessible to private individuals who contribute to marine research through citizen science.
The presence of submersibles on yachts enables unprecedented access to remote and underexplored areas of the ocean, facilitating new discoveries and enhancing scientific collaboration.
Citizen science—the active participation of non-professionals in scientific research—has been instrumental in expanding marine knowledge for centuries. From 19th-century sailors documenting oceanic currents to modern-day deep-sea explorers, public engagement continues to shape our understanding of the underwater world. With submersibles providing direct, immersive observation capabilities, their role in advancing marine biology and conservation is only expected to grow.
The sighting of the prickly shark in French Polynesia underscores the transformative impact of cutting-edge submersible technology on marine exploration. As more vessels integrate advanced imaging systems and data-sharing capabilities, discoveries like this will become increasingly common, offering invaluable insights into the hidden depths of our oceans. SEAmagine’s commitment to innovation and exploration ensures that the next scientific breakthrough could be just one dive away.
Read the original article, or visit the SubC Imaging website for more information.
