PERISCOP

The Pachycara species retrieved by the PERISCOP

The PERISCOP is a unique pressurized recovery devices that contains three chambers – one for capture, one for recovery under exterior pressure, and one for transfer to the laboratory while maintaining pressure. Previous recovery devices used one chamber for all purposes.[1]^: 882 An arm designed to capture samples by force of suction is attached to the device.[2] During ascent, pressure is maintained within the chamber by use of pressurized water.[1]^: 883 Upon surfacing, samples can be observed, filmed, and/or photographed through transparent view ports in the device.[1]^: 884 Due to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and temperature recorded pressures during ascent and at the surface may ranged from 74%-111% of the natural pressure at sea depth.[1]^: 884 The device set a record for the deepest live-fish capture under pressure when it captured a Pachycara at 2,300 m.[1]^: 887 The previous record was 1,400 m.[2] The capture was the first to be performed at a hydrothermal vent.[1]^: 886[2] The device has also recovered several shrimp species (Mirocaris fortunata, Chorocaris chacei, and Rimicaris exoculata) at vent fields Lucky Strike and Rainbow.[2]