Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation - Deep Sea Marine Biology: Eels, Sharks and Conservation!

What can eel larvae, glowing bacteria, and sharp-toothed fish teach us about life in the deep ocean? In this episode of Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation, hosts Dr. Danté Fenolio and Sierra Fenolio are joined by Dr. Jon Moore, professor of biology at Florida Atlantic University's Wilkes Honors College. Dr. Moore shares his experiences studying deep-sea ecosystems and working alongside Dr. Fenolio to identify the many species of eel larvae found in the Gulf. The conversation explores the unusual development of eel larvae, the importance of taxonomy, and the role of marine snow in deep-ocean food webs. Dr. Moore also recounts his experience diving aboard the submersible Alvin and discusses bioluminescence, deep-sea exploration, and remarkable species such as lancetfish, dragonfish, tube shoulders, cookie-cutter sharks, and sleeper sharks. Discover how life at the ocean surface connects to its deepest habitats—and why understanding these rarely seen species is essential to conserving our shared ocean.