While exploring a site referred to as "Gulfoil/MC796" at a depth of 530 meters (1,739 feet) as part of the Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, scientists had a rare encounter with a swordfish feeding. Feeding events like this are not only very cool to watch, but being able to witness them live offers scientists unique glimpses into the lives and behaviors of animals of the deep. A better understanding of how life works in the remote depths of the ocean helps us to understand the ocean ecosystem as a whole, allowing us to better manage, conserve, regulate, and sustainably use the ocean resources that are vital to all of our lives as well as the economy, health, and security of our nation.
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Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Gulf of Mexico 2017.