In August, a remarkable journey unfolded as an international team of scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute embarked on an exhilarating exploration of deep-sea coral reefs near the Uruguayan coast. Through innovative technology, they deployed a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian, guiding it to astonishing depths of over 300 meters from a research vessel.
The team was thrilled to capture breathtaking footage of the expansive cold-water stony coral reefs, which spanned an area comparable to “more than 180 FIFA football fields.” What brought even more joy to the researchers was the discovery that the Desmophyllum pertusum reefs were thriving, teeming with a vibrant assortment of marine life, including colorful hummingbird fish, intriguing slit shell snails, playful groupers, and majestic sharks.
Dr. Alvar Carranza from the Universidad de la República and the Centro Universitario Regional del Este was the first to identify these deep-sea coral reefs back in 2010 using advanced mapping technology. Over the course of a thrilling 29-day expedition, the team documented footage of at least 30 potential new species, showcasing a rich variety of sponges, snails, and crustaceans.
Dr. Carranza expressed his delight, stating, “We always expect to find the unexpected, but the diversity and complexity of what we found exceeded all our expectations.” The researchers were also pleasantly surprised to encounter hundreds of species previously unseen in Uruguayan waters, including enchanting crystal squids, the charming dumbo octopus, and the uniquely formed tripod fish.
This expedition marked a significant milestone as Schmidt Ocean Institute celebrated its 100th voyage, and Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani expressed her joy, saying, “We are delighted that it took place in the beautiful waters off Uruguay with such an engaging team of scientists.” The team was honored by a visit from Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi, who wished them well before their exciting journey into the depths.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute made headlines in August when the livestream of their three-week expedition in Argentina’s Mar del Plata Canyon captivated over 17.5 million viewers. Using SuBastian, they conducted the first high-tech exploration of this deep-sea area, delving to depths of over 3,500 meters—nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Among the many discoveries were delightful creatures such as dancing telescope octopuses, “Barbie” pink lobsters, and a starfish that captured attention for its resemblance to a beloved cartoon character. The researchers estimated they had uncovered up to 40 potential new species, including fascinating sea anemones, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and more.
Dr. Martín Brogger from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council shared his excitement about the impact of their expedition, stating, “It’s been incredible to see how people of all ages have connected with the deep sea.” He highlighted the heartfelt messages they received from families, teachers, and children who felt inspired and emotionally connected while watching the live broadcasts. Some young viewers even expressed dreams of becoming marine biologists, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity that can inspire generations.
As the team celebrated their discoveries, they reveled in the beauty of the ocean's hidden treasures, reminding us all of the joy and goodness found in exploring the unknown.
