Octopod swimming near the Juan de Fuca plate seafoor

Description: An early example of NEPTUNE capabilities and the changes in scientific insights and technological capabilities that are literally transforming perceptions of and interactions with the oceans were provided on the VISIONS05 expedition on the University of Washington's Research Vessel Thomas G. Thompson. This is footage from the first-ever live broadcast of high-definition video from the seafloor of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Featured is a Dumbo Octopus 'Dumbo' Octopus. The deep-sea "Dumbo" octopus got its nickname from obvious places, but the benthic cephalopod Grimpoteuthis is equipped with large fins (which may resemble mammalian ears) to help it swim. The Octopod is a top predator around the vents - They can swim up off the bottom and hover a bit just above the seafloor looking for snails, worms, and other food The month-long research expedition to the underwater volcanoes of the northeast Pacific was a collaborative effort that included the NEPTUNE program, the National Science Foundation, the researchchannel, NEPTUNE Canada, NOAA Coastal Services Center, and the WM Keck Foundation Achievements on this expedition included the first-ever live broadcast of high-definition video from the seafloor of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.