Abstract: An autonomous deployment system for deploying systems and a method of deploying a seafloor device. The autonomous deployment system includes a release unit, a support frame, a plurality of mats, a hose, a plurality of weighted bands, a gas supply, a waterproof housing, and a timer. The method of deploying a seafloor device includes spooling a plurality of mats in a rolled-up position, each of said plurality of mats comprising a hose, wherein each mat is adjacent to a support frame, submerging the seafloor device in a body of water, releasing the seafloor device from a vessel via a release unit, supplying gas to each hose of the plurality of mats, unfurling each of the plurality of mats from the support frame, sinking the seafloor device to lay on the seafloor. The invention may also include a microbial fuel cell and support weights.

Abstract: A benthic lander can include a frame structure that comprises a plurality of frames, wherein each frame is formed with a central aperture, and a first plurality of coupling structures coupling adjacent frames of the plurality of frames. The benthic lander can also include at least one pressure vessel formed with an interior cavity comprising electronics disposed within the interior cavity. Each pressure vessel can be disposed within the central aperture of at least one frame of the plurality of frames such that the at least one frame holds the pressure vessel in place. A weight structure can be disposed underneath the frame structure, wherein the weight structure is removably coupled to the frame structure.

Abstract: An autonomous deployment system for deploying systems and a method of deploying a seafloor device. The autonomous deployment system includes a release unit, a support frame, a plurality of mats, a hose, a plurality of weighted bands, a gas supply, a waterproof housing, and a timer. The method of deploying a seafloor device includes spooling a plurality of mats in a rolled-up position, each of said plurality of mats comprising a hose, wherein each mat is adjacent to a support frame, submerging the seafloor device in a body of water, releasing the seafloor device from a vessel via a release unit, supplying gas to each hose of the plurality of mats, unfurling each of the plurality of mats from the support frame, sinking the seafloor device to lay on the seafloor. The invention may also include a microbial fuel cell and support weights.