I was anxious to directly observe the population of squid in the area and to determine whether they were laying enough eggs to perpetuate the species. The cases are attached to the substrate and each other to form masses they may number in the hundreds. These fingers wave slowly with the ground swell until the larval squid emerge and begin the free-swimming portion of their life cycle. I found the bottom covered with eggs virtually everywhere I went in DeepWorker. I filmed just about everything eating squid eggs, with sunflower stars and sea anemones among the most voracious predators.
Adult squid are a favorite food for cormorants, otters, and sea lions.
Besides the sustainability of the squid fishery, I had to wonder how this ecosystem would change if the squid was no longer an integral link in the food chain. I am becoming a better DeepWorker pilot, and can now concentrate more on my research and photography and less on the mechanics of driving the sub. Small swell with gentle breeze and clear seas. High overcast sky. Mike Guardino pilots the DeepWorker at Hopkins Deep Reef.