Vibrant Coral Reefs Discovered in Historic Exploration of Uruguay’s Deep Sea

On a groundbreaking expedition, scientists discovered bustling fields of deep coral reefs that are threatened globally and at least 30 potential new species, and visited the wreck of the ROU Uruguay for the first time. Video and photos available here. Palo Alto, California, USA — An international, Uruguay-led team of scientists discovered that the deep-sea … Continued

First Confirmed Footage of a Colossal Squid—and it’s a Baby!

One hundred years after its discovery, the colossal squid has been filmed alive in its environment for the first time by a team on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) in waters off the South Sandwich Islands. Video and photos available here. PALO ALTO, California– An international team of scientists and crew on board … Continued

A Mosaic of Life | High Seas and Seamounts of the Nazca Ridge

Since January 2024, Schmidt Ocean Institute has supported several scientific explorations, including the most recent #NazcaHighSeas expedition, to study biodiversity and oceanographic conditions along the Nazca, Salas y Gómez, and Juan Fernandez Ridges. International scientists have used the technology and expertise available on the Research Vessel Falkor (too) for data collection and a scientific examination … Continued

Each Seamount is Different | High Seas and Seamounts of the Nazca Ridge

This expedition is special because it is the first one led entirely by Schmidt Ocean Institute staff. While we normally support visiting scientists and partners from outside organizations, this time, the science department on the ship and staff on shore are coordinating all aspects of this research along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridges … Continued

Living Fossils of the Atacama Trench | 4K ROV Highlights

An international team of scientists spent two weeks exploring deep waters off the coast of Chile. They set out to characterize the microbial and macrofaunal communities surrounding the Atacama Trench. The researchers observed incredible biodiversity, collected samples for further study, and located Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the seeps … Continued

Methane Seeps | Living Fossils of the Atacama Trench | Video Update

Searching for tiny bubbles of methane percolating from the seafloor in the deep Ocean takes a dedicated team of scientists and engineers, a robotic guide, and a healthy dose of patience and persistence. During the #AtacamaTrenchAncients expedition, an international team of scientists searched for and found the deepest methane seep documented off the coast of … Continued

Exploring an Ocean World | Living Fossils of the Atacama Trench | Video Update

Dr. Armando Azua-Bustos of the Centro de Astrobiologíca has studied the Atacama Desert for the last decade and led the #AtacamaTrenchAncients expedition to explore the deep waters adjacent to it. When we think of life in the Ocean, we imagine octopuses, whales, and other charismatic megafauna. Still, in reality, the vast majority of life in … Continued

Scientists Find Pristine Ecosystems on High-Seas Seamounts

Deep-sea coral reefs, sponge gardens, and the deepest photosynthesizing coral in the world found along the Salas y Gómez Ridge Video and photos are available here ANTOFAGASTA, Chile –  An international team of scientists observed 160 species on the Salas y Gómez Ridge that had not yet been known to live in the region and … Continued