Federal Deep Sea Study

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released images taken by their federal researchers, who have returned from an expedition to study the biodiversity and mechanisms of an unusually rich deep-sea ecosystem off the coast of Hawaii. The photos provide a sense of the life underneath the ocean in this unique ecosystem.

In this photo by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a spookfish that was found off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island is shown. (Photo | AP) 

In this photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a glass squid that was found off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island is shown. (Photo | AP)

In this photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a dragonfish that was found off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island is shown. (Photo | AP)

In this photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a Commerson's frogfish that was found off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island is shown. (Photo | AP)

In this photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, swallower fishes found off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island are shown. (Photo | AP)