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KY_EnviroGuy

(14,483 posts)
7. More on that Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition....
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 04:00 AM
Jul 2021
SCIENTISTS EXPLORE SEAMOUNTS IN PHOENIX ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO, GAINING NEW INSIGHTS INTO DEEP WATER DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY

Building off a groundbreaking 2017 expedition, a follow-up expedition in the Phoenix Islands Archipelago enabled the largest collection of microbial cultures from the central Pacific Ocean and the most comprehensive study of deep sea coral and sponge ecosystems in this part of the world.

Link: https://schmidtocean.org/scientists-explore-seamounts-in-phoenix-islands-archipelago-gaining-new-insights-into-deep-water-diversity-and-ecology/

snip....
HONOLULU – Marine scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor have identified likely new marine species and deep-sea organisms on nine seamounts that were explored for the first time in the remote Phoenix Islands Archipelago. In a 34-day expedition that ended today, scientists also conducted high-resolution seafloor mapping of more than 30,000 square kilometers and video exploration of five additional seamounts.
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During the expedition, scientists made two rare sightings of a glass octopus, a nearly transparent species whose only visible features are its optic nerve, eyeballs and digestive tract. Before this expedition, there has been limited live footage of the glass octopus, forcing scientists to learn about the animal by studying specimens found in the gut contents of predators.

Schmidt Ocean Institute’s underwater robot SuBastian also captured footage for the first time of a rare whale shark, a deep-water species that dates back millions of years and whose name comes from its length of more than 40 feet. During the expedition, scientists also noted unique marine behaviors, including crab stealing fish from one another.


Nice collection of their photos and videos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/100i6J4n9ty4eEZLfDqT0_4GABpILGxUW


Schmidt Ocean Institute Ship Falkor

About the Organizations

The Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to advance oceanographic research through the development of innovative technologies, open sharing of information, and broad communication about ocean health. It operates Falkor, a philanthropic research vessel that is made available to the international science community at no cost. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org.

Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 34,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences and a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 65 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, superior ship operations, and unparalleled deep-sea robotics capabilities. They play a leading role in ocean observation and operate the most extensive suite of data-gathering platforms in the world. Top scientists, engineers, and students collaborate on more than 800 concurrent projects worldwide—both above and below the waves—pushing the boundaries of knowledge and possibility. For more information, please visit www.whoi.edu


KY......
Beautiful! burrowowl Jul 2021 #1
Absolutely beautiful. StarryNite Jul 2021 #2
Other worldly... Duppers Jul 2021 #3
Mesmerizing. Blue Dawn Jul 2021 #4
This octopus is obviously a Democrat because it's transparent! KY_EnviroGuy Jul 2021 #5
This was posted as a Twitter reply, but here's the whole video from John Oliver posted here: Rhiannon12866 Jul 2021 #6
More on that Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition.... KY_EnviroGuy Jul 2021 #7
Thanks for posting this! StrictlyRockers Jul 2021 #10
Amazing Marrah_Goodman Jul 2021 #8
So BEAUTIFUL, just GORGEOUS!!!! 🐙 💜 nt Raine Jul 2021 #9
So cool! nt mcar Jul 2021 #11
What an unearthly and gorgeous creature Hekate Jul 2021 #12
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»A rare glass octopus spot...»Reply #7