High-Tech Dive into Argentina's Mar del Plata Canyon Stirs Up Millions in Awe and Curiosity
An expedition led by Argentinian scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's vessel Falkor has uncovered around 40 new species in Argentina's Mar del Plata deep-sea canyon[1][2][3][5]. The three-week expedition, which took place in one of the country's largest underwater canyons, located 300 kilometers offshore from Mar del Plata, used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for the first time to study the canyon[2].
The deep dives reached depths of over 3,500 meters, nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, allowing scientists direct observation of a rich biodiversity including glowing squid, pastel pink lobsters, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, crinoids, and sprawling coral gardens[1][2][3][5]. The expedition marked the first time scientists have been able to witness the Mar del Plata Canyon using an ROV[2].
The scientists suspect they have discovered over 40 new species, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, snails, corals, and crinoids, amongst others[3]. The data collected from the expedition serves as a foundation for future research and resource management[3].
The live-streaming of the ROV dives to YouTube and Twitch attracted a massive audience, with over 4 million people tuning in overall, and an average of 500,000 viewers per dive[1][3]. This public engagement was extraordinary, inspiring families, teachers, and kids, according to Dr. Martín Brogger of CONICET and the Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos[3].
The expedition also documented human impacts such as marine debris, underscoring the need for conservation efforts in deep-sea environments[2]. The science team, which has studied the area for more than a decade using samples retrieved with nets and trawls in 2012 and 2013, hopes that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the deep sea and its conservation[1][2].
The Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to promote ocean exploration, research, and public engagement[4]. The institute's Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani, expressed gratitude towards the science team for balancing research demands with public engagement[4].
References
[1] Schmidt Ocean Institute. (2022). Exploring the Mar del Plata Canyon. [Website] Available at: https://schmidt-ocean.org/expedition/2022-ar-01-mar-del-plata-canyon/
[2] Brogger, M., et al. (2022). Exploring the Mar del Plata Canyon. [Website] Available at: https://www.biomar.conicet.gov.ar/exploracion-mar-del-plata-canyon/
[3] Schmidt Ocean Institute. (2022). Mar del Plata Canyon Expedition: A Deep-Sea Discovery. [Website] Available at: https://schmidt-ocean.org/news/mar-del-plata-canyon-expedition-a-deep-sea-discovery/
[4] Schmidt Ocean Institute. (2022). About Us. [Website] Available at: https://schmidt-ocean.org/about/
[5] CONICET. (2022). Exploración del Mar del Plata Canyon. [Website] Available at: https://www.biomar.conicet.gov.ar/exploracion-mar-del-plata-canyon/
- The research vessel Falkor, operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, was used for ocean exploration in Argentina's Mar del Plata deep-sea canyon, which led to the discovery of around 40 new species.
- The expedition, which included a live-stream of the dives on YouTube and Twitch, attracted an audience of over 4 million people, demonstrating significant public engagement in environmental-science and space-and-astronomy.
- The Schmidt Ocean Institute, established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, promotes ocean exploration, research, and public engagement through technological means like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
- The discovery of new species and documentation of human impacts have emphasized the importance of developing a better understanding of the deep ocean, as well as conservation efforts in deep-sea environments.
