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Advanced Technical Diving

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Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Coral Reefs of the World ((CORW,volume 12))

Abstract

Effective exploration of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) has been limited primarily by available technology. Although research targeting MCEs led to the development of the first electronically controlled, closed-circuit rebreather in the late 1960s to the early 1970s, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the technology was utilized extensively for MCE research. Over the years, diving techniques and technologies have gradually advanced from conventional SCUBA to open-circuit, mixed-gas diving to closed-circuit rebreathers, each progressively increasing diver safety and bottom time at depth. Over the past decade, the application of closed-circuit rebreathers for use in MCE research has increased dramatically, enabling research activities that are impractical or impossible using other technologies. When conducting advanced diving operations to study MCEs, many logistical and practical considerations must be taken into account. Trained and experienced divers and support personnel are required and must have access to appropriate equipment. Contingencies both during dives (e.g., bailout options) and in response to emergencies must be clearly defined and understood. Insights and guidelines for conducting MCE research using rebreathers are recommended based on over three decades of field experience. As scientific diving programs at more institutions continue to establish support for advanced technical diving operations, the application of this approach to MCE research will help scientists conduct work efficiently and safely.

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Acknowledgments

I am extremely grateful to the many talented and insightful divers who have trained me, worked and dived with me, and shared their helpful insights in developing these protocols over the years. In particular, I thank William C. Stone, Sonia J. Rowley, Mike Rowley, Randall K. Kosaki, Brian D. Greene, John L. Earle, John E. Randall, Joseph Dituri, Joshua Copus, Ken Longenecker, Ross Langston, and Roger A. Pfeffer. Research involving the use of rebreathers that facilitated the development of the protocols described herein has been supported by NOAA, the Association for Marine Exploration, Bishop Museum, Poseidon Diving Systems, Seaver Institute, Ocean Classrooms, and the Systematics Association.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, USA

    Richard L. Pyle

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  1. Richard L. Pyle
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Correspondence to Richard L. Pyle .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Yossi Loya

  2. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Silver Spring, MD, USA

    Kimberly A. Puglise

  3. Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland Museum Network, Townsville, QLD, Australia

    Tom C.L. Bridge

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Pyle, R.L. (2019). Advanced Technical Diving. In: Loya, Y., Puglise, K., Bridge, T. (eds) Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 12. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_50

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