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Issue 110 - July 2024

Scientists Locate Chile’s Deepest Known Cold Seeps

Research expedition locates chemical ecosystems supporting life in the deep off the coast of Antofagasta.

Sea life around a methane seep
A microbial mat, clams, a sea cucumber, and other deep-sea life are documented around a methane seep on the seafloor during Dive 681. Scientists on a research expedition on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Research Vessel Falkor (too) have located Chile’s deepest and most northern methane seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the methane seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight, offering potential insights into the conditions that led to the development of life on Earth. © ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute

ANTOFAGASTA, Chile— Scientists on a research expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) have located Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight, offering potential insights into the conditions that led to the development of life on Earth.

The search for the seeps took over 12 hours, as scientists examined an area with geologic features that led them to suspect there might be seeps. Their investigation relied on seafloor mapping data and data interpretation from local and international experts. Shallower cold seeps, like methane seeps, are usually located by finding bubbles coming from the ocean floor in SONAR data; the soundwaves sent to the seafloor that are used for mapping it. The bubbles are not always visible for deeper seeps, making locating them more challenging.

The expedition’s Co-Chief Scientist, Dr. Lauren Seyler of Stockton University, New Jersey, USA, led the seep-finding endeavour. The effort was a collaboration between Seyler and Drs. Antonio Molina and Oscar Ercilla of Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC- INTA) in Madrid, Spain, Science Coordinator Jessica Eberle, and the R/V Falkor (too)’s marine technicians, with additional support from Dr. Andrew Palmer of Florida Tech, Melbourne, Florida

A methane seep documented on the seafloor during Dive 681. Scientists on a research expedition on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Research Vessel Falkor (too) have located Chile’s deepest and most northern methane seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the methane seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight, offering potential insights into the conditions that led to the development of life on Earth. © ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute

Visual evidence strongly suggests that the seeps found by the team are methane seeps. These seeps are chemosynthetic ecosystems where naturally occurring methane bubbles up from fissures in the seafloor. They are formed along subduction zones, ocean areas where two tectonic plates collide and one is pressed under the other. Methane on the seafloor provides energy for bacteria, a food source for animals like clams, squat lobsters, and tube worms. The seeps located during the expedition are in the Atacama Trench, an 8000-meter-deep formation that runs the length of Peru and Chile. Astrobiologists are especially interested in studying seeps because they give insight into how life developed on Earth and how those survival strategies and chemical conditions might sustain life on other planets.

“The microbes that live on these seeps have amazing strategies for producing food without sunlight,” said Dr. Seyler. “Here on Earth, life in the dark is alien in its own right and provides critical information for understanding how organisms persist under the most extreme conditions. We are still trying to figure out how life started on Earth, and environments that provide chemical energy for life, like this one, might offer clues about the spark that ignited all the biodiversity on our beautiful planet.”

The seeps were found off the northern coast of Chile near the Atacama Desert, Earth’s oldest desert. The Atacama has barely changed location for the past 150 million years. Researchers like the expedition’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Armando Azua-Bustos of Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC-INTA), have found interesting microbes in the desert from ancient lineages that give insight into the evolution of life on our planet. Searching for the methane seeps was part of a wider expedition goal of determining if the deep ocean adjacent to the desert also contains ancient microorganisms, as suggested by Azua- Bustos and his collaborators’ research on land.

Armando Azua-Bustos inspects samples in the Hydro Lab on Research Vessel Falkor.
Armando Azua-Bustos (Principal Investigator, Centro de Astrobiología, CSIC-INTA) inspects samples in the Hydro Lab on Research Vessel Falkor. © Alex Ingle / Schmidt Ocean Institute

“The Atacama Desert is a well-known Mars analog model here on Earth. It contains precious insights for how life, if it ever arose on Mars, might be able to adapt to an increasingly drying plane,” said Dr. Azua-Bustos, “We hope the information we gathered from the Atacama trench, with help from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, will aid us in searching for biosignatures should we eventually study the oceans of Enceladus and Europa on Saturn and Jupiter, water worlds that may potentially support life.”

The science team, including Dr. Guillermo Guzmán, Dr. Nikolaos Schizas, and Professor Alexis Gacitúa, also collected over seventy specimens, with many species suspected to be new to science. Pending further research, the suspected new species found between 3000 and 4500 meters’ depth include marine snails and amphipods. Other specimens include brachiopods, leptochitons, and crinoids, which are hypothesized to be close descendants of fossils found in the Atacama Desert. The animal samples will be kept at the Universidad Arturo Prat Museo del Mar in Iquique and the National History Museum in Santiago, Chile, following identification and characterization.

“Finding such cold-water seeps using nothing but mapping data is wonderful,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, “There was a chance that the science team would not locate these amazing deep-water, chemosynthetic environments. With further analysis, bacteria from these seeps may provide new insights into how life persists in the darkness, offering scientists guidance on how and where to search for microbial life elsewhere in our solar system.”

NOTE: The scientists participating in the expedition were awarded free ship time onboard R/V Falkor (too) to conduct research in exchange for making their findings publicly available. Scientists participating in SOI expeditions are not employed by the Institute.

ROV SuBastian prepares to take a core sample
ROV SuBastian prepares to take a core sample of seafloor contents. Dive 679 took place off the coast of Northern Chilé with the research team aiming to characterize the microbial and macrofaunal communities in the surrounding areas of the Atacama Trench. The primary objective of this dive was to explore the ridge area for methane seeps and collect samples (push cores, water, rock, and animal samples) at seepage sites. © ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute

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 Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC-INTA) goes back to the proposal presented to NASA by a group of Spanish and American scientists led by Juan Pérez-Mercader to join the recently created (1998) NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). After a thorough analysis and evaluation of the proposal and an exchange of letters at the government level, CAB was integrated into the NAI in April 2000, thus becoming the first Associate Member of the NAI outside the United States. CAB was created as a joint centre between the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), and with the support of the Autonomous Community of Madrid (CAM). Learn more at https://cab.inta-csic.es/en/

Stockton University’s mission is to develop engaged and effective citizens with a commitment to life-long learning and the capacity to adapt to change in a multicultural, interdependent world. As a public university, Stockton provides an environment for excellence to a diverse student body, including those from underrepresented populations, through an interdisciplinary approach to liberal arts, sciences and professional education. Learn more at https://www.stockton.edu/

The premier private technological university in the Southeast, Florida Tech is a Tier 1 Best National University (U.S. News & World Report) and a Top Technical Institute (Fiske Guide to Colleges). Florida Tech is known worldwide for its strengths in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, aviation, autism treatment, biomedical science, cybersecurity and machine-learning, and marine science. The university is located in the dynamic and innovative city of Melbourne in the heart of the “Space Coast,” where students have been watching rocket launches from campus since the dawn of the Space Race. Learn how Florida Tech is making history and shaping the future at floridatech.edu. Find stories about our relentless pursuit of greatness at floridatech.edu/news.

The University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) or Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez (RUM) in Spanish, is a public land-grant university in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. UPRM is the second-largest university campus of the University of Puerto Rico system. In addition to its status as a land-grant university, it is also a member of the sea-grant and space-grant research consortia. Learn more at https://www.uprm.edu/portada/

The mission of the Autonomous University of Chile is to train, at the different levels of the system, competent, socially responsible graduates and graduates oriented towards permanent education. To do this, it provides a quality academic environment that promotes the development of teaching, research and links with the environment, thus contributing to the progress of society. The Autonomous University of Chile believes and supports the value of personal freedom, individual and social development through education and culture, and promotes and encourages respect for people as free and equal beings in dignity and rights, responsibility ethics and quality. Learn more at https://www.uautonoma.cl/


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Issue 110 - July 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – July 2024 – Issue 110

July 2024 Cover


NEWSROOM

Back to the Bay: Southern Sea Otter Conservation Efforts in Northern California

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The southern sea otter, or California sea otter, is one of three endangered subspecies of sea otter found in a small area near central California. Despite government protection, this species has been endangered for over sixty years, unable to make significant population growth in almost thirty years. Read more…

Choking The Seas: How Marine Debris is Reshaping Ecosystems

Millions of pounds of plastics enter the ocean, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems have had to evolve rapidly to survive these changes. If climate change and plastic pollution continue to increase at these rates, marine ecosystems may no longer be able to keep up with the changes. Read more…

Actions to Strengthen Marine Turtle Conservation Agreed at UN Meeting in Tanzania

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Governments, scientific experts and stakeholders gathered over four days in an international meeting that ended today to discuss pressing conservation issues for marine turtles in the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia region. Read more…

CCMI Reveals The Impact & Future Implications of Record-Breaking Temperature on Little Cayman’s Reefs

CCMI’s 2023 Coral Bleaching Report Card shows that the coral bleaching in Little Cayman was severe, and comparably more severe than other reefs in the region, this is likely to be attributed to factors including higher coral cover to start with and the presence of more susceptible species that are not present on most reefs with more stressors. Read more…

Book Suggestion: The Arctic in Peril, A Photographic Journey Through a Changing Landscape

The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White banner

In “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White,” Sebastian Copeland invites us on an extraordinary visual journey to the heart of a vanishing world. Through his lens, we witness the raw beauty and delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem, a landscape of ethereal ice formations, vast tundra, and resilient wildlife. Read more…

Dive in with The Reef-World Foundation: “Drops in the Ocean” Campaign Sweeps Across the UK!

Dive in with The Reef-World Foundation: "Drops in the Ocean" Campaign Sweeps Across the UK!: Photo Banner

The Reef-World Foundation, a leading non-profit dedicated to coral reef conservation, today announced the exciting launch of its new campaign, “Drops in the Ocean,” which went live on Monday, 17 June across the UK. This impactful campaign receives a significant boost. Read more…

The Sea Serpent and Limits to Growth

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The learned men of the Boston Natural History Society had studied their Bestiaries, ancient, illustrated volumes of all the animals, and set out for Gloucester’s high rocky shore to survey the seascape. There, they found what they were looking for. Read more…

G20 CORDAP & KSLOF Forge Historic Partnership to Combat Coral Reef Decline

This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to harness the unique strengths and resources of both organizations to enhance coral reef conservation and restoration efforts on a global scale. Read more…

TomopterisPolychaete banner

Scientists on a research expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) have located Chile’s deepest and most northern cold seeps. At 2836 meters deep, the seeps provide chemical energy for deep-sea animals living without sunlight, offering potential insights into the conditions that led to the development of life on Earth. Read more…

Wild Women Expeditions Voted Best Adventure Tour Operator in the 2024 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards

Wild Women Expeditions has been voted ‘Best Adventure Tour Operator’ in the 2024 edition of the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The leader in women’s adventure travel takes the top spot for the second year running, and the third time overall, having won this category in 2021 as well. Read more…

The Parrot & the Igloo, Exposing the History of Climate Change Denial

THE PARROT AND THE IGLOO book banner

In “The Parrot and the Igloo,” David Lipsky embarks on an ambitious initiative to untangle the complex history of climate change denial. With a deft hand, he weaves together a narrative that is both informative and captivating, exposing missed opportunities, deliberate misinformation, and the intricate dance between science and politics. Read more…

Saudi Arabia Shows Initiatives, Bolstering Ocean Sustainability & Biodiversity Conservation at High-Level Event

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir took part in the High-Level Event on Ocean Action, held in the capital of Costa Rica, San José, from June 7-8, at the head of the Kingdom’s delegation. Read more…


Feature Destination

Geneva ranks among the top five European destinations for 2024

Geneva Tourism is delighted to announce that the iconic Swiss city has been named one of Europe’s leading destinations to visit in 2024 by European Best Destinations – the most visited travel and culture website in Europe with 8 million visitors annually. Read more…

World Oceans Day Highlights Immediate Protection Measures Needed

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UN World Oceans Day, celebrated on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York, focused on “opening minds, igniting senses, and inspiring possibilities” to protect marine life worldwide. Read more…

A Traveler’s Guide to Discovering the Charm of Geneva

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For many, Geneva may not immediately come to mind as a bustling tourist destination compared to other European cities. It lacks sandy beaches and a certain youthful exuberance, but what it offers is a rich cultural tapestry. Read more…

ASEAN & UNDP Launch Joint GEF-Funded Marine Conservation Project

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the governments of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, kick start this year’s World Ocean Day celebration with the launching and inception of the GEF-funded joint marine conservation project – Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS)–on 6 June 2024. Read more…


The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here


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Book Suggestion

Book Suggestion: The Arctic in Peril, A Photographic Journey Through a Changing Landscape

In “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White,” Sebastian Copeland invites us on an extraordinary visual journey to the heart of a vanishing world. Through his lens, we witness the raw beauty and delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem, a landscape of ethereal ice formations, vast tundra, and resilient wildlife.

The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White: Book Cover

Copeland’s photographs are not merely stunning works of art; they are a poignant testament to the alarming pace of climate change. His images of melting glaciers, receding sea ice, and altered animal migration patterns serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need for climate action. Each photograph tells a story of transformation and loss, showcasing the vulnerability of this pristine wilderness to the effects of human activity.

But “The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White” is not simply a lament for a disappearing landscape. Copeland’s narrative goes beyond the visual, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between humans and nature. He delves into the history of Arctic exploration, the challenges faced by indigenous communities, and the geopolitical implications of a rapidly changing Arctic. His words paint a picture of a region at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges yet brimming with potential for resilience and adaptation.

The book’s poetic prose and striking imagery combine to create an immersive experience that transports readers to the heart of the Arctic. Copeland’s passion for this fragile ecosystem is evident on every page, as he shares his reflections and insights gained from years of exploration and advocacy.

“The Arctic: A Darker Shade of White” is a compelling demonstration of the power of photography to inspire change. It is a visual symphony that awakens our senses, challenges our assumptions, and compels us to protect this extraordinary place before it’s too late. As Dr. Jane Goodall eloquently states in her foreword, this book is “a powerful and moving tribute to a region that is both awe-inspiring and deeply vulnerable.”


Sebastian Copeland

About The Author

With approximately 6,000 miles under his skis in the polar regions, Sebastian Copeland has led numerous expeditions to the North and South Poles on foot. Noted as a photographer “who has produced works that are of outstanding artistic merit and communicate messages of urgent global significance,” Copeland has addressed audiences at the UN, universities, and many Fortune 500 companies to warn of the systemic transformations taking place in the polar regions and their geopolitical consequences. In 2017, Men’s Journal named Copeland one of 25 of the world’s top adventurers of the last 25 years. The Arctic completes a polar trilogy comprising Antarctica: The Waking Giant (2020) and Polar Explorations (2022). Copeland was named four times Photographer of the Year. In 2019, he was knighted by French President Emmanuel Macron in the National Order of Merit; and the National Order of Arts and Letters. Dr. Jane Goodall, known for her landmark chimpanzee study, is the most recognizable figure in conservation today.


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Book Suggestion

Book Suggestion: The Parrot & the Igloo, Exposing the History of Climate Change Denial

In “The Parrot and the Igloo,” David Lipsky embarks on an ambitious initiative to untangle the complex history of climate change denial. With a deft hand, he weaves together a narrative that is both informative and captivating, exposing missed opportunities, deliberate misinformation, and the intricate dance between science and politics.

Lipsky’s journey begins with the early warnings of global warming, highlighting the missed signals and the rise of a professional lying apparatus that has cast doubt on the scientific consensus. He meticulously traces the origins of this disinformation campaign, revealing how the same tactics used to deny the dangers of cigarettes and acid rain were employed to undermine climate science.

Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Lipsky exposes the human element of climate change denial, delving into the motivations and consequences of inaction. He questions the role of media, corporations, and politics in shaping public opinion and hindering meaningful action. By unravelling the tangled web of denial, Lipsky empowers readers to critically assess the information presented to them and to seek the truth about the climate crisis.

The book serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to confront the urgency of the situation and to challenge the misinformation that has stalled progress. Lipsky’s unique perspective, honed through his experience as a writer and professor of narrative, allows him to present complex issues in a clear and accessible manner, making the book a compelling read for both experts and newcomers to the topic.

“The Parrot and the Igloo” is not just a historical record but also a call to action. It encourages readers to engage with the issue, to question the narratives presented to them, and to seek the truth about climate change. Lipsky’s engaging writing style and insightful analysis make this book an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It is a timely and essential contribution to the ongoing discussion about climate change, offering a unique perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking.

By exposing the tactics of climate change denial and highlighting the urgent need for action, Lipsky’s book empowers readers to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis. “The Parrot and the Igloo” is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of a daunting global crisis.


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