In a pioneering collaboration, expedition specialists HX and esteemed ichthyologist Dr Manuel Novillo join forces for the ground-breaking project, “Exploring the Unseen”, aboard HX’s hybrid-battery vessel, MS Roald Amundsen.
This initiative aims to uncover secrets of the Antarctic Ocean floor, pinpointing vital spawning grounds for historically overexploited fish species. Offering a rare glimpse beyond the snow, icebergs, whales and penguins usually associated with this region, the project reveals vibrant and concealed ecosystems hidden within the icy Antarctic waters.
During January and February, Dr Novillo, in collaboration with the expert expedition team on the MS Roald Amundsen, led this thrilling initiative to pioneer a new approach in establishing a monitoring program for Antarctic fish spawning grounds. Furthermore, they captured footage of seldom-seen Antarctic landscapes and unearthed the otherworldly wildlife thriving beneath the waves.
Highlights from the initial phase of the project include:
- Deploying a state-of-the-art underwater drone in Marguerite Bay, below the Antarctic Circle, offering unprecedented insights into the uncharted waters surrounding Stonington Island, discovering marine life rarely seen by human eyes. Such as several species of plump and colourful, sponge-eating starfish; bottlebrush-like sea pens, a type of soft-coral; various, tubular, horny and warty-looking sponges; large, slow-growing Antarctic scallops; rusty orange, leathery looking sea squirts; and icefish.
- Achieving a ground-breaking feat by setting a new company record for drone deep diving in Orne Harbour, descending to an impressive depth of 115 metres.
- Capturing awe-inspiring footage of a seabed covered with porcelain-like brittle stars in Deception Island, reminiscent of extra-terrestrial beings, and a peculiar feathery-looking crinoids, relatives of starfish, in Horseshoe Island. These curious creatures were much more abundant in the Jurassic Period; hence they are now more commonly found as fossils in limestone outcrops on land.
During the 16 drone deployments, from depths of 10 – 115 metres across 11 sites, fish species were observed in six locations, and fish guarding a nest were identified, resulting in a successful initial phase for the research project.
The successful launch of the inaugural “Exploring the Unseen” science boat marked a significant milestone, allowing guests to actively participate in the drone deployment process and fostering a deeper appreciation for the fragile marine ecosystem of the Southern Ocean.
“This research goes beyond science communication; it’s about making a real impact,” said Dr Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at HX, expressing excitement about the project’s potential. “I’m thrilled to see our underwater drones utilised to their full potential, contributing to a project that holds immense promise.”
Dr Manuel Novillo expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm surrounding the project, emphasizing its significance for future research endeavours. “This is just the beginning,” Dr Novillo remarked. “I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the Antarctic depths, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes us when we return next year. Hopefully we will identify new fish spawning grounds and work hard to protect these important areas.”
Despite encountering challenges posed by harsh environmental conditions and technological limitations, the project has made remarkable strides in its initial phase. The state-of-the-art Science Centre onboard MS Roald Amundsen has provided an exceptional platform for this ground-breaking research, generating considerable interest among guests and crew alike.
