Argentina’s Deep Sea Is More Biodiverse Than Scientists Thought

In a comprehensive expedition that examined deep-sea ecosystems offshore the entire length of Argentina, scientists discovered the largest-known Bathelia candida coral reef, chemically rich cold seep environments, and documented a rare phantom jellyfish. Video and photos available here. Buenos Aires, AR — On an Argentinian-led science expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), a … Continued

Schmidt Ocean Institute Advances R/V Falkor (too)’s Mapping Capabilities

Schmidt Ocean Institute reconstructs the bow of R/V Falkor (too), adds a high-performance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to its advanced technology suite, and reaches a major milestone: 2 million square kilometers of seafloor mapped to date. Video and photos available here. Palo Alto, California, USA — Schmidt Ocean Institute announces it has mapped 2 million … Continued

Pioneering Study Unites Physics, Geology and Biology in Argentina’s Submarine Canyons

Scientists map four submarine canyons and collect critical data on how underwater currents interact with the canyons, providing insights into the physical and chemical dynamics that support rich biodiversity in Argentina’s waters. Video and photos available here. Palo Alto, California, USA — Scientists on an Argentinian-led expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) deployed … Continued

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

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

Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile’s Coast

An international team explores vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems and sees more than 100 species never-before observed by scientists. Video and photos available here. VALPARAISO, Chile – An international group of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, may have discovered more than 100 new species living on seamounts off the coast … Continued

Four New Seamounts Discovered in the High Seas

Tallest of underwater features discovered by crew of research vessel Falkor (too) stands over 1.5 miles high Video and photos available here. VALPARAISO, Chile – The crew of Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) discovered four underwater mountains — the tallest of which is over 1.5 miles high — on a January transit from … Continued