Video and photos available here.

Buenos Aires, AR — On an Argentinian-led science expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), a science team observed stunning biodiversity along the country’s continental shelf. Traveling along the entire length of the coastline, from Buenos Aires in the north to an area offshore from Tierra del Fuego, the team documented the largest known Bathelia candida coral reef in the global ocean, several other rich reef complexes, and 28 suspected new species, including worms, corals, sea urchins, sea snails, and sea anemones.

“We were not expecting to see this level of biodiversity in the Argentine deep sea, and are so excited to see it teeming with life,” said the expedition’s chief scientist, Dr. María Emilia Bravo of the University of Buenos Aires and CONICET. “Seeing all the biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and connectivity unfolding together was incredible. We opened a window into our country’s biodiversity only to find there are so many more windows left to be opened.”

Covering at least 0.4 square kilometers, the Bathelia reef is nearly the size of Vatican City. This stony cold-water coral provides habitat for other organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. Recognized as a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) indicator species, Bathelia candida has been documented throughout the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, with the largest patches off the coast of Argentina, but scientists hadn’t understood its extent until this expedition. The team found Bathelia reefs 600 kilometers (373 miles) further south than its known range, at 43.5° latitude.

The team also documented Argentina’s first deep-water whale fall at 3890-meters-depth and a rare phantom jellyfish — a deep-sea jelly that can grow as long as a school bus. Whale falls — places on the seafloor where a whale’s body lands after the animal dies — serve as temporary ecosystems, providing food for animals, including octopuses, sharks, and crabs. In addition, the scientists observed ancient Bubblegum coral gardens (Paragorgia arborea) nestled among large sponges in the 3000-meter-deep Malvinas Trough near Tierra del Fuego.

“We collected an unprecedented number of chemical, physical, and biological samples that will be used to understand connections in our waters for years to come,” said Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía and CONICET. “These samples represent a unique opportunity to understand not only how extraordinary these extreme ecosystems are, but also how vulnerable they can be.”

The team’s primary goal was to locate cold seeps, deep-sea environments where methane and other chemicals released from the seafloor serve as energy for microbes, which provide sustenance for animals like clams, mussels, and tube worms. They found one active seep measuring 1 square kilometer — twice the size of the Bathelia reef — which included a large patch of chemosynthetic clams.

Scientific understanding of how cold seeps and deep-sea coral reefs interact is still in its adolescence, said Bravo.

The team observed trash in some areas, including fishing nets, garbage bags, and a VHS tape in near-pristine condition, owing to the durability of plastics. The sticker on the side of the tape is in Korean, but the team is not sure how it arrived off the Argentinian coast or how old it is.

“With every expedition to the deep sea, we find the Ocean is full of life—as much as we see on land, and perhaps more because the Ocean contains 98% of the living space on this planet,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s executive director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “We have been privileged to work with outstanding scientists across three expeditions in Argentinian waters, and look forward to seeing their research continue to unfold, unlocking new understanding and inspiration.”

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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.

University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Founded in 1821, UBA is a public, tuition-free and secular institution, recognized for its academic excellence, its strong commitment to scientific research, and its contribution to the country’s social, cultural, and productive development. With a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, UBA educates professionals and generates knowledge across all fields, promoting critical thinking, inclusion, and community engagement as core pillars of its mission.

The National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) is the main agency that promotes Science and Technology in Argentina. Its mission is the development and the execution of scientific and technological activities throughout the national territory in all areas of knowledge and the training of highly specialized human resources. According to this mission, the members of CONICET carry out high-impact research both in basic and applied science and its highly qualified human resources develop technologies in line with the demands and needs of both public and private institutions, and society in general.

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Video and photos available here.

Palo Alto, California, USA — Schmidt Ocean Institute announces it has mapped 2 million square kilometers of seafloor — about the size of Greenland — and this year, has made two significant changes to advance the seafloor mapping capabilities of R/V Falkor (too): it radically changed the shape of the ship’s bow and added the gold standard of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) to its technology suite.

“There has always been a commitment from our organization to continuously improve what we can provide to the scientific community,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Senior Director of Maritime Infrastructure, Eric King. “We moved quickly to make these latest changes in response to lessons learned in our first two years of expeditions aboard R/V Falkor (too), and we have never been better positioned to provide the best quality data to scientists around the world.”

Over a two-month dry dock period (28 April – 28 June) in Talcahuano, Chile, the team reconstructed the bow of R/V Falkor (too), transforming it from a bulbous bow more common on offshore commercial vessels into a streamlined, V-shaped bow optimized for science missions. The new bow significantly improves the precision and reliability of the ship’s sonar systems in capturing high-quality mapping data, even in challenging weather conditions. It can now capture high-resolution data in 6-11 knots (~7-13 mph) and in swells exceeding three meters.

R/V Falkor (too)’s new bow helps to eliminate bubbles from interfering with the ship’s sonars and sensors, which proved challenging with the previous bulbous bow— an aspect of the original MV Polar Queen vessel design that assisted in faster transits across the ocean. Seafloor maps are created using multibeam sonar technology, which sends sound from the vessel to the seafloor. Scientists, especially hydrographers, use the time it takes for the sound to travel between the ship and the seafloor to calculate the depth, creating a bathymetric map and revealing seafloor features like underwater mountains and canyons. 

“Reconstructing the bow was a massive undertaking and a clear demonstration of Schmidt Ocean Institute’s commitment to advancing oceanography. The shipyard period required dedication and hard work from teams across the entire organisation, including our fantastic crew,” said Captain Peter Reynolds of R/V Falkor (too). “The result is the ability to collect higher-quality sonar data at greater speeds. Combined with our new AUV, this significantly enhances our scientific capability during our expeditions.”

The state-of-the-art Kongsberg Hugin Superior AUV, called The Childlike Empress, can operate to depths of up to 6000 meters and stay in the water for up to 72 hours — offering access to 98% of the ocean floor, with the exception of the deepest trenches. The organization’s ROV SuBastian can operate in waters up to 4500 meters. The AUV, the most adaptable and advanced commercially available vehicle,  will be mission-ready by mid-2026 after additional training and field tests.

“The Childlike Empress is a game-changer for scientific mission planning,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Engineering Senior Manager, Jason Williams. “Where once it could take weeks to locate intriguing seafloor features like hydrothermal vents, we can now identify areas of interest within a day, accelerating our knowledge of the global ocean.”

The AUV has many sonars and sensors, including a traditional multibeam system, sub-bottom profiler, a magnetometer; oxygen, methane, and dissolved carbon dioxide sensors; a conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) sensor; imaging system; and Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS). Where multibeam systems collect data at resolutions of 1-50 meters (depending on the depth and type of sonar), SAS can collect data every 25 centimeters (2 feet), achieving much higher resolution, producing some of the clearest seafloor images. These maps help pinpoint the exact locations of hydrothermal vents, shipwrecks, and other interesting seafloor features. 

The AUV can house additional sensors and imaging equipment and is adaptable to the scientists’ needs, Williams said.

Seafloor mapping is critical for improving our understanding of ocean ecosystems, resource management, safe navigation, and more. Just over 70% of the ocean floor remains unmapped.

“Schmidt Ocean Institute is committed to several global initiatives, and is a partner of the Nippon Foundation – GEBCO Seabed 2030,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “We have contributed  2 million square kilometers to the global seafloor map, and with The Childlike Empress AUV and our new bow, we are better equipped to contribute to the global effort to map the seafloor and speed up the pace of ocean discovery.”

About the Organization

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 post Schmidt Ocean Institute Advances R/V Falkor (too)’s Mapping Capabilities appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

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 an array of technologies to collect the most robust data set available about how the major Malvinas ocean current interacts with submarine canyons and influences Argentina’s renowned marine biodiversity. Their goal was to better understand the region’s plankton blooms, the basis of the food web that sustains the Argentinian fishing industry. These plankton blooms are so large that they can be observed from space. 

The expedition was led by Dr. Silvia Ines Romero of Argentina’s Servicio de Hidrografia Naval. Her team hypothesized that these submarine canyons serve as conduits between the deep sea and shallower waters – providing essential nutrients that support Argentina’s massive phytoplankton blooms, which, in turn, support thriving marine ecosystems. 

Over 27 days in October, they used a glider, 46 sea surface drifters, two seafloor landers, a moored buoy, and additional shipboard technologies to map four submarine canyons and surrounding areas to collect data on how currents interact with the seafloor.

The expedition was Schmidt Ocean Institute’s second in collaboration with Argentinian scientists and within the country’s waters. The team leading the first expedition to the Mar Del Plata submarine canyon observed rich biodiversity and fragile cold-water coral ecosystems. 

“The Mar del Plata expedition explored what lives in these canyons,” said Romero. “We studied how these canyons can facilitate such incredible biodiversity. What are the mechanisms— the currents and the chemistry— that support all of this life?”

Knowing the shape of the canyons is the first step to understanding how currents move within them, Romero said. The high-quality maps, using data from R/V Falkor (too)’s sonars, revealed striking seafloor features; some canyons had steep walls, while others had terraces. 

Scientists know the canyons concentrate phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web, along the shelfbreak, particularly near the canyon heads and surface waters, but no one had collected all the necessary physical and chemical oceanographic data documenting the conditions that facilitate the large blooms in these areas.

The team will spend the coming months analyzing the data to understand the specific mechanisms that fuel phytoplankton blooms and control currents within the canyons. The research will provide insight regarding harmful algal blooms, biodiversity protection, and climate change resilience. The high-quality maps will be given to the Argentine Hydrographic Service to improve navigational charts. They will also be a part of a global effort to map the seafloor through the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 project. 

“This expedition was a journey of continuous wonder,” said Romero. “We didn’t just carry out multidisciplinary marine science that will yield unprecedented results; we also built a collective memory of the ocean, sparked new questions, and planted the seeds of future vocations. We showed that Argentina is fertile ground for leading cutting-edge oceanography.”

The team also used Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to observe the biodiversity and collect samples in the canyons. With the high-resolution ROV cameras, they discovered coral-covered walls, black sediment that spewed bubbles, suggesting the presence of methane seeps, and large schools of fish.

“When we think of the Ocean, we often think of the abundance and fantastic life that resides within it,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “Yet that life is strongly controlled by the physics, the chemistry, and the geology of the Ocean—it is all intertwined. We cannot understand one without the other, which is why understanding the physical dynamics is vital to marine management and the local ocean economy.”

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.

Departamento Oceanografía, Servicio de Hidrografia Naval
The Oceanography Department of the Naval Hydrographic Service, created by Order No. 8 of the Director General of Navigation and Hydrography on September 16, 1953, has the mission of carrying out and promoting studies, surveys, and research in physical oceanography, geology, geophysics, marine chemistry, and other marine sciences related to maritime activities that contribute to the country’s economic and scientific development. Throughout its history, the Oceanography Department has established itself as a national reference institute in marine sciences, integrating observations, analyses, and technological developments that support charting, navigational aids, and various public services established by Law 19.922, the Law of the Naval Hydrographic Service, which assigns the provision of these services to the institution. Its work provides critical knowledge for maritime safety, resource management, environmental monitoring, and the strengthening of the national blue economy.

The post Pioneering Study Unites Physics, Geology and Biology in Argentina’s Submarine Canyons appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

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.”

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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

The post Vibrant Coral Reefs Discovered in Historic Exploration of Uruguay’s Deep Sea appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Video and photos available here.

For release Friday, August 15, 2025, 8:00 am ET
Palo Alto, California, USA — An Argentinian-led expedition on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) has captured the attention of millions, inspiring a predominantly Argentine audience with live video feeds from the deep seafloor. Over the past three weeks, nearly 4 million people tuned in to Schmidt Ocean Institute’s divestream, or live video webcast, and watched the expedition unfold from their homes, classrooms, grocery stores, bars, and gyms. They witnessed deep-sea wonders alongside the scientists, including shimmering squids, pink lobsters, and a seastar that resembled the SpongeBob character, Patrick Star.

“The deep sea and its awe-inspiring life — from bright corals to mesmerizing octopuses — has captivated an entire nation, thanks to a team of passionate scientists and the millions of people watching their work, via livestream,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and president of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “Argentina is showing the world the power of deep-sea exploration to not only spark wonder, but to remind us how much of our planet remains to be discovered and protected.”

The expedition marks the first time scientists have been able to witness the Mar del Plata Canyon using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with sophisticated sampling tools and cameras. The team leading this expedition has studied the area for more than a decade using samples they retrieved with nets and trawls in 2012 and 2013, but this is the first time they have seen their seafloor live.

“This expedition has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I’m honored to share it with colleagues I’ve worked with for a decade,” said Chief Scientist Dr. Daniel Lauretta of CONICET and Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia. “It’s my first time getting to work with an ROV. The image quality captured by ROV SuBastian has been outstanding and helps us better understand the complexity of this habitat and the remarkable biodiversity it supports.”

The 21-day expedition took place in the Mar del Plata Canyon, one of Argentina’s largest underwater canyons, located 300 kilometers (186 miles) offshore from the city of Mar del Plata in Argentina. The deepest point is over 3,500 meters — almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.

The science team documented rich biodiversity, including deep-sea coral reefs at a depth of 1014 meters (deeper than half a mile), comprised of Bathelia candida, a stony, habitat-forming coral species. At 1500 meters depth (nearly a mile), they found a sprawling field of red Anthomastus sp., a deep-sea soft coral known as a mushroom coral. In total, the scientists suspect they have discovered over 40 new species, including sea anemones, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, snails, corals, and crinoids, amongst others. Confirming the new species will take time, as scientists will need to compare these with known animals.

All Schmidt Ocean Institute ROV dives are live-streamed to YouTube and Twitch, allowing anyone with an internet connection to join the scientists as they explore the deep sea in real time. This expedition shattered engagement records for the Institute. One way to measure engagement is views. Most of the Institute’s dives average around 4,000 views; this expedition averaged 500,000 views per dive, with a total of over 17.5 million views over three weeks. About three-quarters of the audience were Argentinians.

“It’s been incredible to see how people of all ages have connected with the deep sea,” said science team member Dr. Martín Brogger of CONICET and the Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos. “We received hundreds of messages from families, teachers, and kids who felt inspired, surprised, and even emotional watching the live broadcasts. Some young students told us they now dream of becoming marine biologists — an impact that goes beyond science by creating a shared sense of wonder and curiosity that can truly last a lifetime.”

Lauretta said one of the best moments for him was seeing videos of little kids pretending to use an ROV to explore the deep ocean. “Those videos filled my heart with joy — and hope for the future,” he said.

The data collected from the expedition establishes a foundation for future research and resource management. The team and divestream audience also observed how human activity even reaches the deep-sea canyon, with evidence of debris that included shoes, plastic bags, and fishing gear.

“This cruise underscores the power of ocean exploration and science in igniting the imagination,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “It was inspiring for us to see Argentinians fall in love with their own deep sea, and we are grateful to the science team, who balanced the demands of seagoing science with their passion to share their research with millions.”

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 National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) is the main agency that promotes Science and Technology in Argentina. Its mission is the development and the execution of scientific and technological activities throughout the national territory in all areas of knowledge and the training of highly specialized human resources. According to this mission, the members of CONICET carry out high-impact research both in basic and applied science and its highly qualified human resources develop technologies in line with the demands and needs of both public and private institutions, and society in general.

The post First High-Tech Exploration of Argentina’s Mar del Plata Canyon Inspires Millions appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Artists enable people to see the Ocean in new ways, illuminating the beauty and complexities inherent in our planet’s life support system. Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea program, established in 2015, explores the intersection of science and art by embedding artists in deep-sea expeditions. One artist is selected to work across disciplines and practices by joining the crew and science teams to explore, research, create, and discover using the Institute’s state-of-the-art Research Vessel Falkor (too) as a platform for discovery.

In September, 2024 Artist-at-Sea Jill Pelto joined the Fire & Ice: Volcanic & Glacial Interaction expedition led by Dr. Sebastian Watt, University of Birmingham, UK. Pelto is an artist and science communicator based in Washington. She was intrigued by the opportunity to study the underwater effects of a 2008 volcanic eruption that dramatically transformed the landscape and lives of the people of Chaitén, Chile.

She was eager to create art inspired by regional history and explore the science team’s research, tracing volcanic impacts from land to sea. For Pelto, research that reaches distant communities recovering from catastrophic disasters can serve as a symbol of renewal and ecological connectedness. We sat down with her to discuss how joining the expedition has influenced her creative practice and unearthed new perspectives. The following conversation has been edited for brevity.

Tell us a little bit about your time at sea.

The experience of getting to be immersed in an environment full-time like this is so rare and special. Being on the ship for a few weeks, surrounded by the science team and the Falkor (too) crew, was an amazing experience. Stepping out of daily life for a chunk of time shapes you moving forward, and I feel connected with the Ocean. My science experiences have been land-based. Since the expedition, my path has taken me to projects involving topics about marine life and changes in ocean dynamics. This opportunity just opened a new window for me on another part of the world I hadn’t experienced, and that’s what I’m taking forward into ocean-inspired art pieces.

What drew you to creative storytelling and data visualization?

When I was still a student, I was constantly around data: creating graphs and learning about existing ones. I have always had one foot in the art world and one in the science world. And although I put it that way, I don’t see them as separate fields, but as overlapping ones. I have a Master’s degree in climate science and have done science fieldwork worldwide. Now, I do art and science communication work full time.

To me, data tell a story, often about a change over time. Graphs can communicate a great deal, but many people don’t see that. Many don’t see the data in their daily lives. I am interested in incorporating data to tell stories because I can see and feel what they share about the world. To me, this information contains emotion. In my art, I try to translate that through visuals, through colors and patterns. I hope to make complex topics more accessible, such as the seafloor mapping and sampling during my time on the Falkor (too). I wanted to show people the research — what the mapping results looked like, how the sediment cores looked. Lastly, I wanted them to see the place and its overlapping scientific and cultural stories.

You incorporate the environment from local to global, from the landscape to the Ocean. Can you elaborate on how the weather and the environment play into your work?

My goal is to help people connect to the landscapes I’m communicating about, whether it’s a place I have spent time in or not. As an artist-at-sea, I can physically be in the space I’m creating work about; it is so much more inspiring for me. I only occasionally create landscape paintings. Instead, I include landscape elements that someone might not always see, such as views of the seafloor from different perspectives. I want to highlight something about the environment that might be around us, but that we can forget, or that I want people to learn more about, or to see in a different light. For example, I am working on two paintings right now that are about mountain glaciers in Washington and how the glacier meltwater feeds into large river systems that eventually flow into the Ocean. My art can give people in this community a new perspective. That is my goal: to use art to make people feel things about these environments, whatever they may be.

What was the most memorable experience as an artist-at-sea?

To be present and take everything in, I balanced learning about the research, connecting with all the new people, creating art, and exploring the ship. It’s full on, and I love focusing on the expedition and how I could use my paintings to tell stories about it. My most memorable experience was painting in the lab where the science team processed all their samples. I had a little space on a table set up for the whole expedition. They looked for volcanic deposits in sediment cores, foraminifera under the microscope, and marine life in sample bags from the ship’s remotely operated vehicle, SuBastian. It was incredible to make art in the space, soaking everything in and putting that into my art, and being able to ask questions to folks with such a wide range of expertise.

Could you tell us about the pieces and how they developed from your time on the Falkor (too)?

I created four pieces about the Falkor (too), three of which are now part of the Schmidt Ocean Institute Artist-at-Sea collection. For the first piece, I wanted to capture how the science team worked. “Beneath the Falkor (too)” shows how water and sediment samples are collected from the ship, and some of the data measured throughout the water column: temperature, salinity, and fluorescence, which correlate to where phytoplankton is within the water column. The yellow device near the seafloor is the ship’s remotely operated vehicle, or ROV. From the safety of the ship, experienced pilots fly the car-sized robot, which is tethered to Falkor (too) and capable of diving to 4500 meters deep.

My next two paintings were meant to capture some of what the science team was finding with sampling and mapping. “Seafloor Sediment” shows some of the actual sediment cores taken, highlighting the variety of sediment types, things like volcanic ash, mud, sand, and gravel. These are needed to begin to understand past processes and climate in a region. The team was most interested in finding ash to learn about volcanic history in this region, in particular the eruption of Chaitén Volcano in 2008. The blue lines next to them are scaled according to the water depth at which they are taken.

The third piece, “Landforms and Layers,” shows the beautiful results of the mapping, which is constantly being done aboard the Falkor (too), and in a myriad of ways. The colorful image at the top of this piece represents a bathymetric map, which shows seafloor features from above; cooler tones represent a greater depth. This map is an area near Chaitén, Chile, where most of the research for this expedition was based. The marks approximately represent the five locations of the mapping shown below. These are sub-bottom profiles; in other words, they offer a side view of the layers beneath the seafloor, going down about 40 meters below. The layers are indicated by the lines and help determine features such as deltas, landslides, dunes, and moraines. The combination of bathymetric mapping and sub-bottom profiles is crucial for understanding the history of this region and helping the research team determine where to take sediment cores. There are so many stories I could still tell about the expedition work, but I wanted to highlight some unique and technical things that people may not see or know about this type of research.

You gave one of your works to the Chaitén Museum. A massive 2008 volcanic eruption devastated Chaitén, Patagonia, profoundly influencing your work and creative process. Can you tell us more about this?

One of my primary research focuses was on the 2008 volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the entire remote town of Chaitén. It changed the whole river system and coastline. Over 15 years later, the damage is still evident. I wanted to create one painting where the expedition science could be viewed as part of the story of this place and its people. I combined this into a story about the town, the spirits of the volcano, and the Ocean — which many Mapuche people believe in — and the stories of change and restoration that have occurred since the eruption.

While on board, I collaborated with Rodrigo Fernandez, a Chilean geologist, and Danny Leviñanco, a local teacher. They coordinated to bring students and teachers from six remote island schools on board to learn about the work. This was so impactful for these communities. It led me to create a plan for a piece that includes cultural aspects and stories, which I donated. Contributing my work is a small way I can give back to the region, which inspired the whole concept of this science cruise. I also made prints of the piece, so I can donate a copy to each of the schools in the region.

The post Data Storytelling appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Imagery available here

Palo Alto, CA, USA — An international team of scientists on a recent 35-day deep-sea expedition to one of the most remote island chains in the world observed thriving polar ecosystems, discovered new hydrothermal vents, coral gardens, and many suspected new species. The Ocean Census Flagship expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) explored the South Sandwich Islands, including one of the coldest and most isolated submarine trenches on the planet, and also found evidence of explosive volcanism. This was the same expedition that filmed the first confirmed sighting of a juvenile colossal squid.

The expedition was part of the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census program, the world’s largest initiative to accelerate the discovery of ocean life. The Ocean Census scientists led the species discovery efforts, uncovering a wide range of potentially new marine life — including corals, sponges, snails, sea urchins, benthic ctenophores, and sea stars. The exact number of new species will be announced later this year following an Ocean Census workshop, where taxonomic experts will formally assess and catalog the findings. The GoSouth team — a collaboration between the University of Plymouth (UK), GEOMAR (Germany), and the British Antarctic Survey (UK) — investigated the effects of geohazards, including tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

“This expedition has given us a glimpse into one of the most remote and biologically rich parts of our ocean. This is exactly why the Ocean Census exists — to accelerate our understanding of ocean life before it’s too late,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, head of science and expedition principal investigator at the Ocean Census, and senior lecturer at the University of Essex. “The 35 days at sea were an exciting rollercoaster of scientific discovery; the implications of which will be felt for many years to come as discoveries filter into management action.”

Mother Nature threw everything she had at the expedition, said Taylor, including a subsea earthquake, tropical storm force winds with hurricane-level gusts, eight-meter (26-foot) waves, and icebergs to navigate.

Located in the South Atlantic, the South Sandwich Islands are part of a rich mosaic of geologic features such as hadal zone trenches, underwater volcanoes, and spreading centers — features created by tectonic forces that have supported the evolution of species found nowhere else on the planet. It took eight days for the research vessel to travel to the islands from the port of Punta Arenas, Chile.

The GoSouth team, led by Co-Chief Scientist Dr. Jenny Gales, discovered two pockmarks in the mapping data of an underwater caldera — a bowl-shaped depression in the seafloor, left after a volcano erupts. Pockmarks can indicate hydrothermal activity. Using a “nested” approach, the team deployed Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, SuBastian to map the pockmarks at a higher resolution and confirm the presence of vents.

The larger pockmark contained three hydrothermal vents, and the smaller contained one. Located at 700 meters depth (nearly 2300 feet), they are one of the shallowest hydrothermal vents to have been discovered near the South Sandwich Islands, and the only ones to be explored using a remotely operated vehicle. The tallest vent chimney was four meters (13 feet), making it about as tall as a basketball hoop. Each vent was covered with an array of life dependent on chemosynthesis, including sea snails and barnacles. Thriving coral gardens and large sponges were found in close proximity to the vents — an unusual observation, said Taylor.

“Discovering these hydrothermal vents was a magical moment, as they have never been seen here before,” said Gales, an associate professor in Ocean Exploration at the University of Plymouth (UK). “It’s an incredible discovery that provides valuable insights into the area’s tectonic activity. Making such a discovery is rare. It highlights the importance of ocean exploration and seafloor mapping.”

In addition to the vents, other notable observations during the expedition included:

• In the trench, scientists found snailfish eggs that had been laid on a black coral, as well as a potential new sea cucumber species;
• large pumice blocks, indicating that the South Sandwich Islands are capable of explosive volcanism; 
• a vibrant coral garden located west of Saunders Island at a depth of 120 meters (394 feet); 
• Capturing the first footage of Akarotaxis aff. gouldae, a species of dragonfish that was discovered two years ago.

“The challenging ocean and weather conditions and the isolated location of the South Sandwich Islands capture the imagination of the boldest explorers — often the closest humans to the vessel were on the International Space Station,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “We are proud to have collaborated with Ocean Census in their mission to advance the discovery of marine life and GoSouth in their quest to better understand the geological nature of this dynamic corner of the world.” 

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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 Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census is the world’s largest mission to accelerate the discovery of ocean life. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton, it unites philanthropy, government, science, business, media, and civil society to revolutionise how marine species are found and studied. With only 240,000 marine species documented and millions more yet to be discovered, Ocean Census is working to close critical biodiversity knowledge gaps. Learn more at www.oceancensus.org.

The University of Plymouth is renowned worldwide for its high-quality research, teaching and innovation. With a mission to Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives, the University drives the global debate in disciplines from marine and maritime science to medicine, law, computing and climate action. A three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education – most recently in respect of its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the ocean – Plymouth consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities for its innovation, research and teaching in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Its growing global presence is reinforced by the 200,000 alumni it has pursuing their chosen careers right across the world. http://www.plymouth.ac.uk.

The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is one of the world’s leading marine research institutions. Its research covers a wide range of physical, chemical, biological and geological ocean processes, from the seabed to the atmosphere. The centre is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest research organisation. As part of the GoSouth team, GEOMAR was involved in researching geological processes such as underwater volcanism and hydrothermal vents during the expedition. GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

The British Antarctic Survey strives to uncover the secrets of the Polar Regions and the frozen regions of the Earth. Our expertise spans the depths of the oceans to the inner edge of space. Our research highlights the fragility of the Earth’s frozen environments, and what that means for our planet. We have been living and working in the extremes of Antarctica and the Arctic for over 60 years. Our scientists discovered the hole in the ozone layer and identified key evidence for climate change in ancient ice – our science continues to inform decision-makers. We provide the UK’s national polar capability by operating research stations, aircraft and Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough, supporting science at the poles and securing the UK’s presence in Antarctic affairs. Find us at:  https://www.bas.ac.uk  The British Antarctic Survey is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

At the University of Essex we’re ranked 58th out of 2,152 universities assessed worldwide in the global Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. University of Essex research is committed to making a difference and our scientists are at the forefront of promoting sustainable approaches from the marine sciences through to Agri-tech. The University has partnerships with leading organisations including Ocean Census, CEFAS, and the Gates Foundation – to make the world a better place. At the University of Essex, we’re big believers in the power of change to create hope for a brighter future. It’s what inspired us at the start, drives us today, and shapes our future.

The post New Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents Found in the Icy Depths of the Remote South Sandwich Islands  appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Video and photos available here.

PALO ALTO, California– An international team of scientists and crew on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) was the first to film the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural environment. The 30-centimeter juvenile squid (nearly one foot long) was captured on video at a depth of 600 meters (1968 feet) by the Institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian. The sighting occurred on March 9 on an expedition near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This year is the 100-year anniversary of the identification and formal naming of the colossal squid, a member of the glass squid family (Cranchiidae).

Additionally, on January 25 a team on the previous Falkor (too) expedition filmed the first confirmed footage of the glacial glass squid (Galiteuthis glacialis) in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. G. glacialis is another glass squid species that has never been seen alive in its natural environment before. 

The 35-day expedition that captured the footage of the colossal squid was an Ocean Census flagship expedition searching for new marine life – a collaboration between Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth, a joint project between the University of Plymouth (UK), GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research (Germany), and the British Antarctic Survey. “It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist,” said Dr. Kat Bolstad of the Auckland University of Technology, one of the independent scientific experts the team consulted to verify the footage. “For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish.”

Colossal squid are estimated to grow up to seven meters (23 feet) in length and can weigh as much as 500 kilograms (1100 lbs), making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. Little is known about the colossal squid’s life cycle, but eventually, they lose the see-through appearance of the juveniles. Dying adults have previously been filmed by fishermen, but have never been seen alive at depth.

Dr. Aaron Evans, another independent expert on the glass squid family, also confirmed the footage of both squids. Bolstad and Evans said one of the most distinguishing characteristics of colossal squid is the presence of hooks on the middle of their eight arms, which help differentiate them from G. glacialis. Otherwise juvenile colossal squid and G. glacialis are similar, with transparent bodies and sharp hooks at the end of their two longer tentacles.

“It’s incredible that we can leverage the power of the taxonomic community through R/V Falkor (too) telepresence while we are out at sea,” said the expedition’s chief scientist, Dr. Michelle Taylor of the University of Essex, who led The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census team on the South Sandwich Islands expedition. “The Ocean Census international science network is proud to work together with the Schmidt Ocean Institute to accelerate species discovery and expand our knowledge of ocean life, live online with the world’s science community.”

The first confirmed footage of the G. glacialis was filmed in the Bellingshausen Sea near Antarctica during the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s January expedition, which examined the seafloor after an iceberg the size of Chicago calved from the George VI ice shelf. On board was deep-sea expert Dr. Thom Linley from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, who alerted his colleague, Bolstad, as he watched the ROV footage from the vessel’s mission control room. In the footage, taken at 687 meters (2254 feet), the transparent G. glacialis positions its arms loosely above its head, similar to the cockatoo pose commonly observed in other glass squids.

“The first sighting of two different squids on back-to-back expeditions is remarkable and shows how little we have seen of the magnificent inhabitants of the Southern Ocean,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute’s executive director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “Fortunately, we caught enough high-resolution imagery of these creatures to allow the global experts, who were not on the vessel, to identify both species.”

To date, the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV SuBastian has captured the first confirmed footage of at least four squid species in the wild, including the Spirula spirula (Ram’s Horn Squid) in 2020 and the Promachoteuthis in 2024, with one more first sighting yet to be confirmed. “These unforgettable moments continue to remind us that the Ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved,” Virmani said.

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 Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census is the world’s largest mission to accelerate the discovery of ocean life. Launched in April 2023, it unites philanthropy, government, science, business, media, and civil society to revolutionise how marine species are found and studied. With only 240,000 marine species documented and millions more yet to be discovered, the Ocean Census is working to close critical biodiversity knowledge gaps. Learn more at oceancensus.org.

The post First Confirmed Footage of a Colossal Squid—and it’s a Baby! appeared first on Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Video and photos available here.

PUNTA ARENAS, Chile— An international team on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) working in the Bellingshausen Sea rapidly pivoted their research plans to study an area that was, until last month, covered by ice. On January 13, 2025, an iceberg the size of Chicago, named A-84, broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf, one of the massive floating glaciers attached to the Antarctic Peninsula ice sheet.  The team reached the newly exposed seafloor on January 25 and became the first to investigate an area that had never before been accessible to humans.

The expedition was the first detailed, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary study of the geology, physical oceanography, and biology beneath such a large area once covered by a floating ice shelf. The ice that calved was approximately 510 square kilometers (209 square miles), revealing an equivalent area of seafloor.

“We seized upon the moment, changed our expedition plan, and went for it so we could look at what was happening in the depths below,” said expedition co-chief scientist Dr. Patricia Esquete of the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and the Department of Biology (DBio) at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. “We didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years.”

Using Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian, the team observed the deep seafloor for eight days and found flourishing ecosystems at depths as great as 1300 meters. Their observations include large corals and sponges supporting an array of animal life, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopus. The discovery offers new insights into how ecosystems function beneath floating sections of the Antarctic ice sheet.

Little is known about what dwells beneath Antarctica’s floating ice shelves. In 2021, British Antarctic Survey researchers first reported signs of bottom-dwelling life beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in the Southern Weddell Sea. The expedition on Falkor (too) was the first to use an ROV to explore sweeping landscapes containing abundant life in this remote environment.

The team was surprised by the significant biomass and biodiversity of the ecosystems and suspect they have discovered several new species.

Deep-sea ecosystems typically rely on nutrients from the surface slowly raining down to the seafloor. However, these Antarctic ecosystems have been covered by 150-meter-thick (almost 500 feet) ice for centuries, completely cut off from surface nutrients. Ocean currents also move nutrients, and the team hypothesizes that currents are a possible mechanism for sustaining life beneath the ice sheet. The precise mechanism fueling these ecosystems is not yet understood.

The newly exposed Antarctic seafloor also allowed the international team, with scientists from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, and the United States, to gather critical data on the past behavior of the larger Antarctic ice sheet. The ice sheet has been shrinking and losing mass over the last few decades due to climate change.

“The ice loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a major contributor to sea level rise worldwide,” said expedition co-chief scientist Sasha Montelli of University College London (UCL), United Kingdom, also a 2019 Schmidt Science Fellow. “Our work is critical for providing longer-term context of these recent changes, improving our ability to make projections of future change — projections that can inform actionable policies. We will undoubtedly make new discoveries as we continue to analyze this vital data.”

In addition to collecting biological and geological samples, the science team deployed autonomous underwater vehicles called gliders to study the impacts of glacial meltwater on the physical and chemical properties of the region. Preliminary data suggest high biological productivity and a strong meltwater flow from the George IV ice shelf.

The expedition was part of Challenger 150, a global cooperative focused on deep-sea biological research and endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) as an Ocean Decade Action.

“The science team was originally in this remote region to study the seafloor and ecosystem at the interface between ice and sea,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “Being right there when this iceberg calved from the ice shelf presented a rare scientific opportunity. Serendipitous moments are part of the excitement of research at sea – they offer the chance to be the first to witness the untouched beauty of our 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.

CESAM is a Research Unit of the University of Aveiro (UA) with the status of Laboratório Associado (Associated Laboratory) since 2005, and it has been evaluated with the highest grade of Excellent since 2014. The mission of CESAM is to promote transdisciplinary and transformative research and knowledge exchange to address pressing societal needs. This includes tackling environmental and marine challenges, understanding global change processes, and providing sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of natural resources. The center is committed to the well-being of ecosystems and humanity, building upon a One-Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. CESAM achieves its goals through both fundamental and applied research. CESAM’s vision is to become an internationally recognized leader in marine and environmental sciences. The center strives for excellence in both fundamental and applied research, with a deep commitment to understanding and solving the complex marine and environmental challenges facing the world today.

UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities. Since 1826, we have championed independent thought by attracting and nurturing the world’s best minds. Our community of more than 50,000 students from 150 countries and over 16,000 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems. The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024, we are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation and the broadest research impact. For almost 200 years, we are proud to have opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and to change the way we create and share knowledge. Learn more at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/

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Video and photos available here.

PUNTA ARENAS, Chile— After a year of preparing the ship and crew, Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) has completed its first science expedition to Antarctica. The three-week expedition, which ended in early January, was ambitious in its science scope and required operational refinements to navigate safely in unfamiliar environmental conditions.

“Operating our ship in the Southern Ocean marks a significant milestone in Schmidt Ocean Institute’s history,” said Eric King, senior director of maritime infrastructure. “R/V Falkor (too) performed exceptionally well, our crew gained a tremendous knowledge and experience, and the expedition prepared us well for future explorations around this part of the global Ocean in the coming decade.”  

R/V Falkor (too) is a certified Class C polar vessel, which means it is capable of operating in austral summer when there is light sea ice, also known as first-year ice. The ship received its polar certification from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in October 2024 and was operationally supported by EYOS (Expeditions, Yachts, Operations, and Support Services), an internationally known polar expedition organization. EYOS aided in mission planning, permitting, and more. Two ice pilots also joined the expedition to ensure the vessel safely maneuvered around icebergs, said King.  

The scientific operations included eight dives to depths as great as 3,918 meters (nearly 2.5 miles) using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to assess biodiversity and explore vents and seafloor mapping. Ice pilots and crew transported scientists via small boats to places like Joinville Island, off the northeastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, for marine mammal and sea bird research.

The ship’s satellite systems also live-streamed ROV dives, connecting the global population with the Antarctic seafloor. The rare sights included icefish guarding their eggs, cold Antarctic seep environments characterized by bacteria feeding on chemical energy, and dense sponge and kelp outcrops in frigid minus 1 degree Celsius water (about 30 degrees Fahrenheit). 

“For many seafarers and explorers, rounding Cape Horn, crossing the Drake Passage and sailing to Antarctica are bucket list items,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Captain Peter Reynolds. “It truly was a collaborative effort by the entire team and such an amazing experience to have safely navigated our way to the seventh continent in the name of advancing science.” 

The understudied Southern Ocean occupies a quarter of the global ocean surface and plays an outsized role in regulating the Earth’s climate systems, absorbing an estimated 40% of anthropogenic carbon emissions and nearly 75% of excess heat in the atmosphere yearly.

The inaugural expedition to Antarctica called “Into the Southern Ocean” was a collaboration between Schmidt Ocean Institute and National Geographic Society. As part of the Society’s Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions supported by Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, a multidisciplinary cohort of National Geographic Explorers conducted a comprehensive scientific examination – from sea ice to sea floor – of this critically important yet understudied marine ecosystem to advance conservation solutions in the Southern Ocean. 

Also on board was Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea, Julian Charrèire, a French-Swiss artist based in Berlin. His work encompasses film, photography, and sculpture as a means to explore ideas of nature and its transformation over deep geological and human historical time. Charrèire was recently awarded the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Environment and Art Prize from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, California. 

After one more Antarctica expedition in early 2025, R/V Falkor (too) will spend the next four years primarily supporting research in the South Atlantic Ocean. 

“This was just the beginning of our journey into polar environments, and I am proud of our incredible crew and staff for our first successful voyage into the Southern Ocean,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director, Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “Our plan is to visit Antarctica multiple times over the next decade, supporting vital scientific research in parts of the Ocean which may seem remote, but are intricately connected to the wellbeing of everyone on this planet.”

About the Organization

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.

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