In August 2023, researchers studying the uncharted depths off the Cayman Islands deployed a custom-built underwater camera system called a dBRUV (deep Baited Remote Underwater Video). The device, designed specifically for deep-sea biodiversity surveys, featured a sardine-filled bait cage suspended in front of a camera capable of recording at extreme depths.

The result? Nearly 11 minutes of footage showcasing the elusive roughskin dogfish shark (Centroscymnus owstonii). Scientists described their first glimpse of the shark as a “shadow swimming just beyond the (camera’s) detection window.” Moments later, the predator approached the bait, offering an unprecedented opportunity to study the species alive in its natural habitat.

Unlocking the Caribbean’s Underwater Secrets

The roughskin dogfish sightings are more than a scientific novelty; they represent a historic first. According to the study published on November 28, 2023, in the Journal of Fish Biology, this is the first-ever recorded footage of the species in the Cayman Islands and surrounding central Caribbean Sea. Until now, encounters with the species were limited to:

• Dead specimens recovered as bycatch in fisheries.
• Sharks accidentally caught in deep-sea trawling or crab pots.

The team noted the groundbreaking nature of their findings, calling them a testament to the value of non-invasive survey methods for deep-sea research.

High-Tech Tools Unveil the Unseen

The dBRUV system was pivotal in achieving this milestone. Designed to operate at depths of 3,500 feet (1.07 kilometres), the camera system remained submerged for hours at a time, quietly observing the underwater world. Key highlights of the footage include:

• A total of 54 shark passes recorded during the survey, with multiple sharks likely present.
• Clear documentation of the predator’s behavior near the bait, which provides fresh insights into its feeding habits.

“This is a prime example of how advanced technologies are reshaping our understanding of life in the deep sea,” the researchers emphasized in their report.

Why This Matters: The Fight to Preserve Biodiversity

Marine ecosystems are among the most fragile on the planet. The roughskin dogfish, with its cryptic behavior and preference for inaccessible depths, highlights the challenges of conserving species we barely know. Conservationists argue that such discoveries are crucial for:

• Identifying critical habitats and migration patterns.
• Developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of deep-sea fishing, which frequently disrupt these ecosystems.

The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, serves as an essential site for biodiversity studies. Efforts like these provide an invaluable window into the hidden richness of its marine environment.

Researchers Leading the Charge

This groundbreaking work was made possible by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including Olivia Dixon, Shannon Aldridge, Johanna Kohler, Anne Veeder, Paul Chin, Teresa Fernandes, Timothy Austin, Rupert Ormond, Mauvis Gore, Diego Vaz, and Austin Gallagher. Their expertise and use of innovative technologies are setting new benchmarks for deep-sea exploration.

The discovery of the roughskin dogfish is a clear indicator of the untapped potential of non-invasive research tools. Unlike traditional methods such as fishing and trawling, which often harm marine life, video-based systems like the dBRUV allow researchers to study species with minimal ecological disturbance.

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