Integrating Diel Vertical Migrations of Bioluminescent Deep Scattering Layers Into Monitoring Programs

The deep sea (i.e., >200 m depth) is a highly dynamic environment where benthic ecosystems are functionally and ecologically connected with the overlying water column surface. In aphotic sea, organisms rely on external signals to synchronize their biological clocks. Apart from responding cyclic hydrodynamic patterns periodic fluctuations of variables such as temperature, salinity, phytopigments, oxygen concentration, arrival migrators at depth 24-h basis (described Diel Vertical Migrations; DVMs), well-lit surface shallower waters, could represent major response solar-based synchronization between photic realms. addition triggering rhythmic behavioral responses species, DVMs supply food seafloor communities through active downward transport carbon nutrients. Bioluminescent species migrating scattering layers play not yet quantified (but likely important) role in benthopelagic coupling, raising need integrate efficient detection quantification bioluminescence into large-scale monitoring programs. Here, we provide evidence support benefits for quantifying continuously sea. particular, recommend integration studies long-term programs facilitated by deep-sea neutrino telescopes, which offer photon counting capability. Their Photo-Multiplier Tubes other advanced optical sensors installed telescope infrastructures can boost study bioluminescent concert acoustic backscatter video imagery ultra-low-light cameras. Such will enhance our ability monitor proxies mass energy transfer upper ocean Benthic Boundary Layer (BBL), key feature pump crucial effects climate-change. addition, it allow investigating responses, abundance structure communities. proposed approach may new frontier discovery new, taxon-specific capabilities. It thus help expand knowledge poorly described biodiversity inventories further elucidate connectivity pelagic compartments deep-sea.