The remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer is equipped with various devices for sampling water, rocks, and even animals from deep-sea habitats. While visual observation through the video is often a scientist’s primary tool, being able to collect samples from the deep seafloor is essential for getting a thorough understanding the object of interest. This might be analogous to seeing a really intriguing book cover versus being able to actually read the book and all its pages. Ocean exploration and conservation are carefully considered by our participating scientists, and every sample collection is carefully evaluated by experts who are able to provide input via telepresence. Text contributed by Chris Mah, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History.