Marine scientists have made an exciting discovery that could have significant implications for the protection of the Costa Rican coast. They have found a previously unknown octopus nursery, located over 2,800 meters below the sea surface. This groundbreaking finding highlights the vast amount of knowledge that we have yet to uncover about our ocean.
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, an executive director at the Schmidt Ocean Institute, expressed her excitement about the discovery, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration. The scientists conducted their research on the institute’s research vessel, the Falkor.
The initial exploration of the Dorado Outcrop in 2013 revealed the presence of octopus mothers gathering to brood their eggs, which was a remarkable observation. However, it was unclear whether the nursery was viable due to the warm waters caused by a nearby hydrothermal vent. The recent mission confirmed that the Dorado Outcrop is indeed an “active nursery” where baby octopuses hatch. Furthermore, the scientists discovered another unknown nursery off the coast of Monterey, California. These findings bring the total number of known octopus nurseries to three.
Dr. Rachel Lauer, a geoscience professor at the University of Calgary, expressed her excitement about the expedition’s discoveries, describing her reaction as “bouncing off the walls.” These newfound nurseries are home to octopuses belonging to the genus Muusoctopus. These deep-sea creatures are smaller to medium-sized and do not possess ink sacs. The scientists suspect that they may have encountered a potential new species of Muusoctopus, although further confirmation is needed.
The significance of this research extends beyond pure scientific curiosity. It could inform decisions regarding the protection of seamounts in the area surrounding the nurseries. Presently, there are no protections in place.
Dr. Jorge Cortés Núñez, a biology professor at the Universidad de Costa Rica, highlighted the vastness and wonder of the ocean depths in a translated video statement. He emphasized that the seafloor, located 3 kilometers below us, represents an entirely different world.
Overall, the discovery of these octopus nurseries is a testament to the incredible diversity and complexity of marine life. It underscores the importance of ongoing exploration and conservation efforts to better understand and protect our oceans.
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