On closer inspection, the small white dots have holes in their ends. Possibly these are small tube worms. See expl2262.

Image ID: expl2263, Voyage To Inner Space - Exploring the Seas With NOAA Collect
Location: Atlantic Ocean, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Photo Date: 2005 July
Credit: IFE, URI-IAO, UW, Lost City Science Party; NOAA/OAR/OER; The Lost City 2005 Expedition

Category: Ocean exploration/

• High Resolution Photo Available