A new expedition - a new blog!

In the framework of the Seamounts project, a second cruise will be undertaken on board the RRS James Cook between 7 November and 21 December 2011 to explore 5 seamounts that were studied in 2009. Whereas the first cruise focused on the pelagic communities (in the water column), the second one will investigate the benthic assemblages (what lives in, on or close to the seafloor).
You can follow the expedition, live from the ship, on the new blog:
www.seamountsexpedition.blogspot.com

The final day of the workshop is upon us!

Group picture of participants:

Top row left to tight: Jane Read, Amy Taylor, James Mclaine, Khanyisile Ngomane, Oddgeir Alvheim, Julian Badcock, Monica Mwale. Middle row left to right: Nosiphiwo Springbok, Gildas Todinanahary, Nicole Du Plessis, Peter Konstantinidis, Eric Anderson, Alex Rogers, Vladimir Laptikhovsky, Riaan Cedras, Vijay Mangar. Bottom row left to right: Philipp Boersch-Supan, Stela Fernando, Kirsty Kemp, Nkosinathi Masangula. Absent: Tinus Sonnekus, Tom Bornman and Rainer von Brandis (photographer)

Participants have worked incredibly hard this last week spending on average 12 hours per day at the world-class facilities generously provided by SAIAB (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity). More than 200 species of fish and 74 species of squid have been identified during the workshop. Additionally, the fish larvae expert Peter Konstantinidis has identified the larval stages of approximately 30 fish species. Although there were far too many samples to work through during this workshop, many of the participants will continue working on them during the ensuing months. Phillip Boersch-Supan and Kirsty Kemp have extracted several hundred biological samples from fishes including stomach contents, otoliths, scales, muscle tissue and brain tissue. These will be used for various studies related to deep-sea fish ecology and physiology. Although the taxonomic data still need to be analysed, the principal scientist, Alex Rogers, expects to find interesting latitudinal differences in the composition of seamount-associated species. Given that this is the first time that these specific seamounts have been studied, this information and the anticipated publications arising from it, should greatly assist in the management of deep-sea ecosystems and allow us to gain a better understanding of how they function ecologically.

The Participants would like to thank the project partners, namely:

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

ZSL (Zoological Society of London)

ASCLME (Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems

GEF (Global Environment Facility)

UNDP (United Nations Development Program)

IMR (Institute of Marine Research)

NERC (Natural Environment Research Council)

ECOMAR (University of Reunion Marine Ecology Lab)

SIODFA (Southern Indian Ocean Deepsea Fishers Association)

ACEP (African Coelocanth Ecosystem Prgramme)

Total Foundation (Fondation Total)

CenSeam (Global Census of Marine Life on Seamounts)

A new species of squid has been discovered!

Dr. Vladimir Laptikhovsky has discovered a new species of squid this week belonging to the chiroteuthid group of families. Members of this squid group are generally long and slender and are capable of remarkable bioluminescent displays. Some also have club-like photophores along their arms which are believed to act as lures to attract prey (similar to the anglerfish). More than 70 species of squid have been identified from the seamounts cruise samples thus far. Incredibly, this represents in excess of 20% of the global squid biodiversity! More information regarding workshop findings will be posted tomorrow, the last day of the workshop.

Picture 1: Dr. Vladimir Laptikhovsky displays the new Chiroteuthis species.

Picture 2: A closer look at the new Chiroteuthis species.

Here are some strange and particularly frightening looking fish from the deep!

Picture 1: James Mclaine holds up a ‘humpback blackdevil’ Anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsoni). This fish dangles a bioluminescent light from its forehead in order to lure prey within gulping range. Because this method of feeding is so effective, this fish has little need of swimming muscles and hence the tiny body in relation to its ferocious-looking head.

Picture 2: Oreo fish (Neocyttus rhomboidalis). While the adult stage (top) has a weird prehistoric shape, juveniles (bottom 2 images) have incredibly alien-like features.

Picture 3: As opposed to the other fishes on this post, these juvenile toadfish (Chaunax pictus) look rather lovable!

Picture 4: Lancetfish (Alepisaurus briverostris) have a massive head, incredible teeth and a serpentine body that can attain 2m in length.

Zooplankton, miniature aliens

During the seamounts cruise, specialized nets were regularly deployed to capture zooplankton; tiny creatures that drift in the open ocean and feed predominantly on even smaller plant-like organisms called phytoplankton. Zooplankton comprise several groups of small pelagic animals such as krill, jellyfish and fish larvae and because they are incredibly abundant, form an integral part of the marine ecosystem. Notably, they are the primary food source for a variety of fish and sea mammals including the largest animal on earth; the blue whale. The objectives of the plankton netting survey were primarily to determine species diversity and to estimate abundance around seamounts. Workshop participants Riaan Cedras and Gildas Todinanahary calculate the volume of zooplankton biomass per unit of water trawled over the seamounts (the collection net was fitted with a water-flow meter). Then they extract random samples from each lot (there are too many creatures to count, never mind identify!) and stare through their high-powered microscopes for hours on end to identify the tiny creatures.

Picture 1: Gildas (left) and Riaan hold up examples of zooplankton captured over seamounts using ‘bongo nets’.

Picture 2: Examples of larger zooplankton species: A = Krill, B = Benthic Polychaete, C = Chaetognath, D = Pelagic Polychaete, E = Larvae of a fish and a squid, F = Amphipod (The movie “Aliens” was inspired by a similar species to this one!)

See how busy the scientists are!

Calamari anyone?

Dr. Vladimir Laptikhovsky and Amy Taylor have been examining the Cephalopods (squids) collected during the seamounts cruise in 2009. There are around 300 species of squid that live in the open ocean and larger individuals tend to inhabit progressively deeper waters. Squid are considered the most highly developed of all invertebrates due to their sophisticated nervous and circulatory system, and the fact that they continue to survive in the absence of a hard outer shell. By squirting water out through their siphons, they dart through the water column and catch fish with their tentacles. Using this jet propulsion, they are capable of extreme speeds and some even launch out of the water to ‘fly’ for considerable distances. Their skins are covered in chromatophores which enable them to instantly change color to suite their surroundings and effectively become invisible when they need to. Some species are also able to eject dark ink into the surrounding water to temporarily confuse attacking predators.

In these first three days of the workshop, Vladimir and Amy have already identified approximately 30 different species… two of which have not been collected before in the Indian Ocean!

Picture 1: Dr. Laptikhovsky and Amy Taylor.

Picture 2: Some interesting examples of squid species: A) Onychoteuthis sp: This species is known for its elaborate hooks at the ends of its tentacles which aid it in grasping its prey more securely. B) Pyroteuthis margarititera: Being less streamline, this squid probably relies more on camouflage than speed. C) Pterygioteuthis giardi: The smallest species known to man! D) Cranchia scabra: Although probably quite slow, this squid has some elaborate defense mechanisms. Firstly, it can suck its head and tentacles into its mantel cavity! Next, it injects ink into the cavity and because the mantel is translucent, it is able to match the color of the surrounding water and become invisible. In case all this fails, it sports tiny spikes all along its outside which may irritate the alimentary canals of some predators.

The work begins!

Twenty one scientists and students representing seven countries have gathered in Grahamstown at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) to identify some 7000 samples collected during the seamounts cruise in 2009. Workshop participants include: Alex Rogers (UK, Oxford University); James Mclaine (UK, Natural History Museum); Jane Read (UK, National Oceanography Centre); Julian Badcock (UK, Natural History Museum); Kirsty Kemp (UK, Zoological Society of London); Monica Mwale (SA, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity); Nicole Du Plessis (SA, University of Cape Town); Nkosinathi Masangula (SA, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity); Oddgeir Alvheim (Norway, Institute of Marine Research); Peter Konstantinidis (UK, Natural History Museum); Philipp Boersch-Supan (UK, Oxford University); Stela Fernando (Mozambique, National Institute of Fisheries Research); Rainer von Brandis (SA, International Union for Conservation of Nature); Riaan Cedras (SA, University of the Western Cape); Eric Anderson (SA, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity), Tinus Sonnekus (SA, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University); Tom Bornman (SA, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity); Vijay Mangar (Mauritius, Albion Institute); Vladimir Laptikhovsky (Falklands, Fisheries Department); Amy Taylor (UK, Royal Holloway University of London) and Gildas Todinanahary (Madagascar, University of Toliara)

After familiarizing themselves with the laboratory facilities, participants eagerly fell in behind their microscopes and began working through intimidating rows of jars containing fishes, squids, zooplankton and other interesting creatures. Many specimens look similar to each other and scientists have to use elaborate morphological features such as muscle orientation and gut length to differentiate between them. Although no new species have been discovered as yet, the really interesting samples from the colder waters are still to be brought to the workbench during the ensuing week.

First picture: A jar of lanternfishes wait to be scrutinized by Peter Konstantinidis.

Second picture: Hatchetfish (Argyropelecus aculatus). These small (5cm), unusually shaped deep sea fish use bioluminescence (lights on their bodies) to escape predators. By matching the light intensity of their bodies with the light penetrating the water from above, the fish does not appear darker if seen from below and can therefore not be seen by predators.

Let the taxonomic analysis begin!

Almost one full year on, the partners on the SW Indian Ocean seamounts project are ready to start the painstaking task of identifying and cataloguing many of the species sampled in the water column above the six seamounts visited during the 40-day expedition in late 2009.

From the nearly 7000 samples gathered, there are almost certainly going to be previously-undiscovered species as well as new information on where known species congregate, what they eat and how they behave.

The results of this exercise will not only have a scientific interest, but will directly feed into recommendations to help improve conservation and management of Indian Ocean resources and future management of deep-sea ecosystems in the high seas globally.

IUCN, on behalf of all the partners in the project (GEF, ASCLME, EAF-Nansen, ACEP, ECOMAR and the Zoological Society of London) as well as the Total Foundation and Censeam, who have financially supported this workshop, wish the taxonomists success in their endeavours and invite all interested parties to Watch This Space for breaking stories!

Last update on BBC Earth News

Have a look at the full story of the 6-weeks cruise on BBC Earth News, with several picture galleries.

Land ahead!

The arrival in Port Elizabeth is nearly unreal... First glimpse of land in weeks!

Joyeux anni!

Un très joyeux anniversaire à Patrick!

Marine tales for Christmas

If you are looking for a special Christmas present: Adrift, Tales of ocean fragility is a beautifully illustrated book explaining the fragility of the marine world through the stories of 12 charismatic and fascinating species. Published by IUCN, this book is a joint effort between IUCN's marine team and experts from across the globe to inform and inspire about marine conservation. The story on deepwater corals was written by our Chief Scientist, Dr Alex David Rogers. 

You can watch a short video for the book on YouTube here, and buy the book here (in English only).

Happy birthday!

A very happy birthday to Charles!

Last trawls / Derniers chaluts

We have just had our last two trawls of the cruise, this afternoon at Walters Shoal. Although most species looked familiar, there are always some good surprises, and this catch included the first octopus of the expedition, a ghost looking squid and a tiny crustacean larva with impressive spikes. Nous venons de procéder à nos deux dernières pêches, cet après-midi sur Walters Shoal. Bien que la plupart des espèces nous était familière, il y a toujours quelques bonnes surprises, et cette capture a inclu la première pieuvre de l'expédition, un calmar fantôme et une minuscule larve de crustacé avec ses piquants impressionnants.

This makes us realise how close we are to the end of the expedition and to setting foot on land again after several weeks in a floating bumpy habitation. While all of us are looking forward to being back home, it also feels a bit unreal... In order to be connected with the atmosphere that is awaiting us, we have gone through a little redecoration of the ship. Cela nous fait réaliser que nous nous approchons de la fin de l'expédition et de notre premier pied à terre après plusieurs semaines dans une habitation flottante et instable. Si nous nous réjouissons tous de rentrer, cela semble un peu irréel... Aussi, afin de nous connecter à l'ambiance qui nous attend, nous avons entrepris de redécorer un peu le bateau.  

Walters Shoal

We've left the southwest Indian Ocean Ridge on the 10th of December and steamed northward for two days in order to reach the last seamount that we will study during this cruise, south of Madagascar. The area that we have reached is called Walters Shoal - some sort of enormous underwater plateau, with areas as shallow as 10 meters from the surface! For our investigations, though, we had to go to deeper areas. One of the main reasons we have decided to come here is that the region is known to attract seabirds, and Barau's petrel in particular, that come to feed here at this time of year. We haven't encountered as many seabirds as expected... but at least, we're back in a warm and very pleasant climate. The water is now 21°C.
We've been fishing from one to seven AM this morning, and caught some beautiful specimens:

Shorthorn fangtooth

Flatfish larva

Scorpionfish

Pelagic butterfish

Nous avons quitté la ride ouest-indienne le 10 décembre, et avons transité en direction du nord pendant deux jours afin d'atteindre le dernier mont sous-marin que nous allons étudier pendant cette expédition, au sud de Madagascar. La région dans laquelle nous nous trouvons s'appelle Walters Shoal - c'est une sorte d'énorme plateau submergé, avec des parties se situant à seulement 10 mètres de la surface! Cela dit, pour nos investigations, il nous a fallu aller vers des eaux plus profondes. La raison qui nous a poussé à venir ici est principalement le petrel de Barau. Cette région est effectivement connue pour attirer les oiseaux marins, qui viennent se nourrir ici à cette saison. Nous n'avons finalement pas rencontré autant d'oiseaux que nous l'espérions... mais sommes au moins de retour dans un climat plus chaud et plus agréable. L'eau est maintenant à 21°C. 

Nous avons pêché de une à sept heures du matin, et avons attrapé de beaux spécimens.

Who is behind this all? / Qui se cache derrière tout cela?

If you are curious to discover who is responsible for this all - just click on the image below!


Si vous êtes curieux de découvrir qui est responsable de tout cela - cliquez simplement sur l'image!

Phytoplankton of the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge / Phytoplancton de la ride ouest-indienne

By Dr Tom Bornman and Mr Tinus Sonnekus

Phytoplankton (microscopic plants) produce half of the oxygen present in the Earth’s atmosphere. Phytoplankton obtain energy through the process of photosynthesis and are therefore restricted to the euphotic zone (depth of water in the ocean exposed to sufficient sunlight to allow for photosynthesis). Phytoplankton forms the base of the aquatic food web and the biomass, composition and distribution strongly influence the nature of oceanic food web dynamics. Without phytoplankton, there would be no life in the oceans... except for the species typically found at hydrothermal vents that do not live off solar energy (have a look at Kirsty’s presentation on the right if you are interested in these strange communities of species).

We found that diatoms formed the dominant phytoplankton group south of 36°S. They include the chain forming species belonging to the genus Pseudonitzschia and Chaetocerus; and large centrics such as Planktoniella and Coscinodiscus (see micrographs below). The stations north of Sapmer Seamount (including Atlantis Seamount) were characterized by low fluorescence, typical of tropical and subtropical water with low levels of nutrients (oligotrophic). The highest fluorescence was measured in the surface waters between the Subtropical Front and the Subantarctic Front around 40°S. In the Subantarctic water the important high latitude flagellate, Phaeocystis sp. (probably P. antarctica), made its appearance in large numbers, although diatoms remained the dominant group.

Chaetocerus sp.

Conscinodiscus sp.

Planktoniella sp.

Pseudonitzschia sp.

 © Tom Bornman

Le phytoplancton (plantes microscopiques) produit la moitié de l’oxygène présent dans l’atmosphère de la terre. Le phytoplancton obtient de l’énergie à travers le processus de photosynthèse, et se trouve de ce fait dans la zone euphotique (profondeur de la colonne d’eau exposée à suffisamment de lumière solaire pour permettre la photosynthèse). Le phytoplancton forme la base de la chaîne alimentaire aquatique, et sa biomasse, sa composition et sa distribution influencent de manière importante la nature des dynamiques de chaînes alimentaires océaniques. Si le phytoplancton n’existait pas, il n’y aurait pas de vie dans les océans… à l’exception de ces espèces que l’on trouve typiquement sur les cheminées hydrothermales, dont la vie ne dépend pas de l’énergie solaire (jetez un coup d’œil à la présentation de Kirsty sur la droite, si vous êtes intéressés par ces étranges communautés d’espèces).

Nous avons découvert que les diatomées formaient le groupe dominant de phytoplancton au sud de 36°S. Ce groupe inclut des espèces formant des chaînes telles que les espèces appartenant aux genres Pseudonitzschia et Chaetocerus; et des espèces à formes circulaires appartenant aux genres Planktoniella et Coscinodiscus (voir les micrographiques ci-dessous). Les stations situées au nord du mont Sapmer (et incluant le mont Atlantis) étaient caractérisées par une basse fluorescence, typique des eaux tropicales et subtropicales, contenant un niveau peu élevé de nutriments (oligotrophique). La fluorescence la plus élevée a été mesurée dans les eaux de surface entre la convergence subtropicale et la convergence subantarctique, autour de 40°S. Dans les eaux subantarctiques, les importants flagellés des hautes latitudes, Phaeocystis sp. (probablement P. Antarctica), sont apparus en grand nombre, bien que les diatomées soient resté le groupe dominant.

Latest update on BBC Earth News

Have a look at BBC Earth News to get the latest update on our adventures in the roaring forties, to view a new beautiful picture gallery... and get more answers on why we actually are here! (in English only)

Melville

We've left the roaring forties to study Melville bank, the last seamount that we will be investigating on the southwest Indian Ocean Ridge. The wind and waves have accompanied us for a few days now, and our fishing night was rather... rock'n'roll! No doubt we have moved further north, as the species are very different from the ones we found on Coral. They are actually very similar to the species encountered on the first seamounts that we have studied - you may recognise these two hatchetfish and the squid?

© Sarah Gotheil

Nous avons quitté les quarantièmes rugissants pour étudier Melville, le dernier mont sous-marin que nous allons investiguer sur la dorsale ouest-indienne. Le vent et les vagues nous accompagnent depuis quelques jours maintenant, et la nuit de pêche a été plutôt... rock'n'roll! Cela ne fait aucun doute que nous avons rejoint des eaux plus au nord, car les espèces sont très différentes de celles que nous avons trouvées sur Corail. Elles sont en fait très similaires aux espèces récoltées sur les premiers monts sous-marins que nous avons étudiés - vous reconnaissez peut-être les poissons hachette et le calmar? 

Triple cakes

To the greatest delight of the three birthday men (and the rest of the crew!), our generous Chief Steward prepared three beautiful cakes.

Henning's has been eaten already...

And Tom's a happy scientist!

Triple happy birthday!

A very happy birthday to Åge, Henning and Tom!

Unforgettable day / Jour inoubliable

The kids from the school Baies roses have a great memory of the visit of the Nansen. We invited them for a tour on the vessel while it was at port, in Reunion, on November 10. They’re telling their memories in the December edition of their school journal, accompanied with great drawings! (in French only)

Les élèves de l’école Baies roses ont gardé un très bon souvenir de leur visite du Nansen. Nous les avions invité à faire le tour du bateau alors que celui-ci était au port, à la Réunion, le 10 novembre dernier. Ils racontent leurs souvenirs dans l’édition du mois de décembre du journal de l’école, souvenirs qu’ils ont accompagnés de beaux dessins !

Coral seamount / Mont sous-marin Corail

By Alex Rogers

Coral Seamount was designated a voluntary Benthic Protected Area by the Southern Indian Ocean Deep-Sea Fishers Association because it hosted deep-sea corals. We found that the fauna of the waters surrounding Coral Seamount was different to the other seamounts we surveyed. A species of small cardinal fish (Rosenblattia) was found in deep water at night time. Species of fish usually associated with seamounts were not caught in our pelagic trawls but instead a species of rattail fish was found that occurs in Australia, New Zealand and the Madagascar Ridge. Small silvery lantern fish, Maurolicus were also common in the catches but squids were much less abundant and diverse. The crustacean fauna was also different with some large prawns taken in deeper trawls. We had crossed into quite different waters, much colder and more typical of the Sub-Antarctic regions than the waters north of the sub-tropical front. This also showed in the birds surrounding the ship which were dominated by Southern Ocean species such as wandering albatross, cape pigeons (photo) and prions. The weather also lived up to the fearsome reputation of the roaring forties. After a few days of relative calm we were punished by five days of gale force westerly winds that battered the ship for the last few days work at Coral Seamount and pursued us all the way to Melville Bank, 140nm to the north.

© Patrick Pinet

Parce qu’il abrite une communauté de coraux d’eaux profondes, le mont sous-marin Corail a été établi de manière volontaire comme une aire benthique protégée par l’association des pêcheurs en eaux profondes de l’océan Indien. Nous avons découvert que la faune habitant les eaux environnant le mont Corail était différente de celle que nous avions trouvée aux alentours des autres monts sous-marins étudiés. Nous avons trouvé un petit spécimen de l’espèce Rosenblattia pendant la nuit, à une grande profondeur. Nous n’avons pas attrapé d’espèces habituellement associées avec les monts sous-marins, et, à la place, avons pêché une espèce de poisson-à-queue-de-rat que l’on trouve généralement en Australie, en Nouvelle Zélande et sur la ride de Madagascar. Les petits poissons lanternes Maurolicus étaient nombreux, au contraire des calmars, peu abondants et divers. La faune de crustacés était également différente et comportait de larges crevettes venues de grandes profondeurs. Il est évident que nous avons rejoint des eaux plus froides et plus typiques des régions subantarctiques, différentes de celles que l’on trouve au nord de la convergence subtropicale. Les espèces d’oiseaux marins accompagnant le bateau, principalement des albatros hurleurs, des prions et des damiers du cap (photo), témoignent également du changement de climat. Malheureusement, le temps est resté fidèle à son effrayante réputation de « quarantièmes rugissant ». Après quelques jours de calme relatif, nous avons été punis par cinq jours d’un fort vent d’ouest qui a martelé le bateau pendant nos derniers jours au-dessus de Corail et en chemin vers le mont Melville, situé à 140mn au nord.

Happy birthday!

A very happy birthday to Signe, our caring catering assistant!

What is the link? / Quel est le lien?

You remember the cute little fish that looks a bit like a dog from the front. Here it is again, from the side. Any idea what is the link between it and the other fish below?
Vous vous souvenez du petit poisson qui ressemble un peu à un chien depuis devant. Voici une photo de son profil. Avez-vous une idée du lien entre ce poisson et celui du dessous?

They're both oreos (Neocyttus rhomboidalis), at juvenile and adult stages!
Ce sont des oréos (Neocyttus rhomboidalis), aux stades juvénile et adulte!

Whalebones on Coral / Os de baleine sur Corail

A stack of whalebones and mango tree branches has been sunk on Coral seamount today. Un tas d'os de baleine et de branches de manguier ont été coulé sur le mont Corail aujourd'hui. 

Kirsty is preparing the transponder, the device that will allow us to find and recover the bones in two years time, when the second cruise is in the area. Kirsty est en train de préparer le transpondeur, cet appareil qui va permettre de retrouver les os dans deux ans, lorsque la seconde expédition sera dans la région.

The transponder is securely fixed to the ropes attached to the stack of bones/wood. Le transpondeur est soigneusement fixé aux cordes rattachées au tas d'os/de bois.

and is about to be sent overboard... et est sur le point d'être jeté par-dessus bord... 

...together with a little tribute to Kirsty. ... avec un petit hommage à Kirsty.

© Sarah Gotheil

As a reminder, the purpose is to study the communities that will have colonised the bones. In particular, species of worms named snot flower worms, as we do not know anything about them for the Indian Ocean. 

Pour petit rappel, le but est d'étudier les communautés qui auront colonisé les os. En particulier, une espèce de vers appelée "fleur de morve". Nous n'avons effectivement aucune donnée sur cette espèce pour l'océan Indien.

  

© Adrian Glover