An archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, known as the South Sandwich Islands, is the home of some of the most remote country mass in the world. Unbelievable, except for incidental scientific research, their volcanic composition emphasizes the geological and ecological diversity of this part of the world, and we still have a lot to learn.
Schmidt Ocean Institute (Earlier) recently completed a 35-day trek on the Falkor (also) To the external island chain and discovered new hydrothermal ventilation openings, coral gardens and what researchers suspect that they are completely new species. During this expedition, the team also confirmed the observation of a young colossal squid, where he first recorded one on film.
“Colossal squid becomes an estimated up to 23 feet long and can weigh no less than 1,100 pounds, making them the heaviest invertebrate animals on the planet,” says the institute, and notes the importance of the documentation because the animals have only been found dead after they have been washed ashore or eaten by praise.
“Little is known about the life cycle of the colossal squid, but in the end they lose the transparent appearance of young people,” says an explanation. “Dying adults were previously filmed by fishermen, but are never seen alive in depth.”
This recent expedition is part of the Nippon Foundation – Nekton Ocean Census program, the biggest initiative that works on accelerating the discovery of ocean life. During the journey, the Tropical Storm-Force team passed winds with gusts at hurricane level, waves of 26 feet, iceberg and an earthy earthquake.
Ocean Census scientists were aimed at discovering new species, documenting corals, sponges, sea congles, snails, zesterren and Benthian Ctenophors– Realized Comb Jellies or Sea Gooseberries. The team will announce the exact number of new species later this year after taxonomic experts have verified their findings.
“The 35 days at sea were an exciting roller coaster of scientific discovery, the implications of which will be felt for many years as discoveries in management action filtering,” says Dr. Michelle Taylor, head of science and expedition main researcher for the Ocean Census. She adds: “This is exactly why the ocean count exists – to speed up our understanding of the ocean life before it’s too late.”
See more about the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s website.
