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 coral reefs off the nation’s coast are thriving — primarily consisting of a species recently listed as vulnerable to extinction — on a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition that ended on September 19.
The reefs, built by Desmophyllum pertusum, a slow-growing, cold-water stony coral, were healthier, larger, and richer with life than anticipated. One of the largest reef complexes was found at 300 meters depth and covered an area of 1.3 square kilometers — more than 180 FIFA football fields. The tallest mound measured 40 meters in height.
“We always expect to find the unexpected, but the diversity and complexity of what we found exceeded all our expectations,” said the expedition’s chief scientist, Dr. Alvar Carranza of the Universidad de la República and the Centro Universitario Regional del Este. Carranza and others had first detected the coral reefs in 2010 using mapping technology.
Using Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian on board research vessel Falkor (too), the team observed a mix of both temperate and subtropical species, supported by warm and cold water currents that meet off Uruguay’s coast. Colorful residents found living among the reefs included bellowsfish (also known as hummingbird fish), slit shell snails, groupers, and sharks.
The data collected from the expedition will guide how Uruguay’s marine resources are managed, Carranza said. While there is only one confirmed vulnerable marine ecosystem, or VME, in Uruguay at this time, the 29-day expedition provides evidence that more vulnerable areas exist. The team discovered at least 30 suspected new species, including sponges, snails, and crustaceans. They documented hundreds of species never before seen in Uruguayan waters, such as crystal squids, the dumbo octopus, and tripod fish.
They were also the first to explore the wreck of the ROU Uruguay, a cannon-class destroyer that initially served as the USS Baron during World War II. The United States transferred it to Uruguay in 1952, who used it for several decades as a patrol and training ship until sinking it as a Naval exercise in 1995. The science team spent a full day studying the wreck, which now serves as a reef habitat. They also collected data to better understand how the shipwreck has changed over time and assess the presence of any contaminants.
“Discovering marine life reveals the hidden depths of the oceans and transforms the way we perceive our world,” said team member Dr. Leticia Burone of the Universidad de la República Uruguay. “ R/V Falkor (too)’s divestream capabilities allowed us to connect directly with the people of Uruguay and show them our discoveries in real-time.”
In another location they observed worms (Lamellibrachia victori ) that live on cold seeps—areas where chemicals, such as methane, are emitted from the seafloor—growing adjacent to the reef mounds. These two communities survive on different energy sources. Deepwater corals rely on microscopic food from the water column, whereas the worms feed on chemical energy from the seafloor.
“We’ve seen glimpses of this relationship in the Gulf of Mexico, but I have not seen a more perfect visual example of the association,” said Dr. Erik Cordes, a deep-sea coral and seep expert who is a professor at Temple University and has led previous expeditions with Schmidt Ocean Institute. It is a natural part of the community’s biological evolution. “The reefs they discovered are incredible.”
The team also observed a sea snail called an ovulid feeding on gorgonian soft coral, which is a common image in tropical areas of the ocean; however, in these cooler waters, it is akin to finding a giraffe in Antarctica, said Carranza.
“This was Schmidt Ocean Institute’s 100th expedition and we are delighted that it took place in the beautiful waters off Uruguay with such an engaging team of scientists,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “We were also honored that Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi graciously visited the vessel just before it set sail to wish the scientists and crew a successful voyage as they explored this previously never-before-seen part of the world.”
###
About the Organizations
Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org.
The University of the Republic (Universidad de la República), established in 1849, is Uruguay’s main higher education and research institution. It is a public, autonomous university, co-governed by teaching staff, students, and graduates. With over 160,000 students enrolled, the university covers all areas of knowledge and culture. For more information, visit www.udelar.edu.uy
