Antarctic Team Unearths Unexpected Seafloor Find on Endurance Shipwreck Quest

An unexpected discovery was made during the Weddell Sea Expedition of 2019. Researchers found intricate geometric patterns on the seafloor of Antarctica’s western Weddell Sea. These patterns, created by fish nests, were visible after a thick ice shelf melted in July 2017, following the calving of the 2,239 square mile A68 iceberg from the Larsen C Ice Shelf.

Objectives of the Weddell Sea Expedition

The primary aims of the expedition, which lasted for 49 days starting in January 2019, were to investigate the biological diversity of the western Weddell Sea and locate the wreck of the HMS Endurance. This ship sank in 1915 after being trapped by ice. Unfortunately, extreme sea ice conditions hindered the team’s search for the wreck.

Challenges Faced by the Expedition

Dr. Michelle Taylor, a senior lecturer at the University of Essex, noted the difficulties posed by heavy sea ice, reminiscent of the conditions faced by the Endurance crew over a century ago. Despite the setback, the expedition successfully captured invaluable footage of diverse marine life.

• Key Dates:
  • A68 iceberg calved: July 2017
  • Expedition duration: January 2019 – March 2019
• Key Participants:
  • Dr. Michelle Taylor – Coauthor of the study
  • Russ Connelly – Lead study author

Discoveries on the Seafloor

The expedition utilized a remotely operated underwater vehicle, nicknamed Lassie, to examine the seafloor. Researchers identified over 1,000 fish nests of the yellowfin notie, scientifically known as Lindbergichthys nudifrons. These nests featured six distinct patterns, revealing new behavioral strategies among the fish.

Nest Patterns and Survival Strategies

The researchers observed that more than 42% of the nests were clustered, providing a survival benefit against predators. This arrangement adheres to the “selfish herd” theory, whereby fish position themselves to reduce individual risk.

• Nest Patterns:
  • Clusters
  • Crescents
  • Straight lines
  • Ovals
  • U-shapes
  • Isolated nests

The researchers also highlighted that 14.9% of active nests contained pebbles, which may enhance egg survival by improving oxygenation and protection from predators.

Importance of Marine Conservation

This significant discovery in the Weddell Sea underlines the richness of marine ecosystems facing rapid climate change. Scientists advocate for the designation of the Weddell Sea as a Marine Protected Area to conserve these vulnerable habitats.

Expedition leader Russ Connelly emphasized the urgency of exploring these environments. He believes that preserving them is vital before we lose ecological treasures that remain largely undocumented.

As interest in the Antarctic region grows, further expeditions may yield even more findings about the intricate interactions and patterns of life beneath the ice-covered waters of the Weddell Sea.