Submersible and scuba collections in the coastal waters of the Bahama Islands and Florida's oculina coral banks: Biomedical and biodiversity research of the benthic communities with emphasis on porifera and gorgonacea

Division of Biomedical Marine Research conducted a 7 day research expedition to the Bahama Islands. The primary objectives were: 1) to conduct biochemical and DNA research on targeted bioactive sponges, 2) to collect marine invertebrates for discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential; 3) to document the biodiversity of deep-water benthic communities with videotapes, 35-mm photographs, and museum specimens using the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK II Research Submersible; 4) to isolate heterotrophic microorganisms for culture; and 5) to procure living specimens of sponges and tunicates for cell culture research.