The concept of “exploration before exploitation” is essential for the health of our oceans. They will be archived in the Benthic Invertebrate Collection at Scripps Institution of Oceanography for posterity.īiodiversity information gained from this cruise will be used by ecologists and policy makers who are seeking to understand and mitigate potential impacts on the deep seafloor. The specimens are then be fixed and preserved to later be used for morphology and DNA work back on shore. Once onboard, scientists use cameras and photomicroscopes to further document the specimens. We are collecting three different size classes of animals: megafauna, macrofauna, and meiofauna (in order of largest to smallest). Using the Nautilus’ two remotely operated vehicles, Hercules and Argus, we are collecting invertebrates from the seafloor. The value of scientists describing and documenting deep-sea biodiversity is crucial for protecting our oceans. Greg Rouse This transparent and unearthly creature is identified as a ‘chirodotid sea cucumber’ and was collected by ROV Hercules during this cruise.ĭuring this cruise aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus, we are observing and identifying known species and potentially new species. Each species and individual has a significant role in keeping its greater ecosystem in working order.ĭr. Not only are invertebrates alluring and dazzling critters, they are also extremely important for the health of the seafloor. Most of these animals that have yet to be discovered are invertebrates: worms, mollusks, crustaceans, etc. These are animals that are not yet known to science, never before seen by humans, going about their lives while each playing an integral part in their respective ecosystems. It is estimated that there may be millions of undescribed animal species that live in the ocean. Many wondrous creatures live in the deep, and many discoveries will come as scientists seek to understand various deep-sea biomes. Ocean animals have unique adaptations depending on what ocean habitat they. Animals adapt to their environments to help them survive. Water depth, temperature, and the presence or absence of light are some of the conditions that differ in these habitats. The deep sea is mysterious, dark, and enchanting. The ocean has three broad habitats: the intertidal zone, the pelagic zone, and the abyss. From the shallows to the depths, the ocean has diverse and unique biomes.
A deviation in the deep sea may affect the upper pelagic zone (from the surface to 200 meters/656 feet depth) and the sea as a whole. Just as a mechanical engine is only as strong as all of its working parts, an ocean ecosystem is only as strong as all of its healthy fauna. The ocean is immensely powerful in many ways, yet tragically fragile in others. Humans rarely encounter frilled sharks, which prefer to remain in the oceans depths, up to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) below the surface. The ocean-beautifully balanced and ever dynamic. Originally posted by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research Guest blog by Kaila Pearson, Graduate Student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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