What are the scientific consequences of the lost of the Nereus submersible? The Nereus submersible was lost at sea while exploring the Kermadec Trench at 10,000 meters during a May 2014 research cruise. During its life, it was planned for the ROV to help investigate the evolution and diversity of life in the deepest part of the ocean, and explore how species adapt to extreme environments. With the lost of the Nereus submersible, what other resources do we have to continue deep water exploration?
Nereus as is, is currently not replaceable, but it was insured at a replacement value of $3.1 million, and my understanding Woods Hole currently plans to replace it, though unlikely at this point that there's a solid timeline for this taking place.

Landers, fish traps, and sediment core samplers will still be actively used, but again, these are not really comparable to the areas of research that Nereus was able to cover. 

UPDATE: These appears to be the last log entry for the Kermadec Trench 2014 expedition, and the official statement on the day of the event.