EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our report dated October 29, 1999 included in Benthos, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 1999 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement on Form S-8. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Boston, Massachusetts November 27, 2000