Research reveals hidden deep-sea secrets in Costa Rica
A team of international scientists has discovered a new deep-sea octopus nursery at a low-temperature hydrothermal vent offshore of Costa Rica. The discovery of the brooding site brings the world’s known octopus nurseries to three. The team also proved that the first known aggregation of deep-sea octopuses, the Dorado Outcrop, is an active nursery. The discovery proves there is still much to learn about our oceans.
Scientists believe that the octopus is potentially a new species of Muusoctopus, a genus of small- to medium-sized octopuses without an ink sac. Additionally, the expedition reinforced the idea that some species of deep-sea octopus seek out low-temperature hydrothermal vents to brood their eggs.
The 19-day Octopus Odyssey expedition led by Dr Beth Orcutt of the US-based Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Dr Jorge Cortes of the University of Costa Rica aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) included 18 international scientists. The team was thrilled to confirm that the Dorado Outcrop is an active nursery.
Scientists witnessed the Muusoctopus species hatch, disproving the idea that the area is inhospitable for developing octopus young. The Dorado Outcrop nursery was originally discovered in 2013 and astonished scientists, as it was the first observation of female octopuses gathering to brood their eggs. No developing embryos were seen when the site was first explored, leading scientists to believe that conditions at the Dorado Outcrop might not support octopus growth.
Five never-before-seen seamounts in the northwestern corner of Costa Rica’s waters were also explored and found to contain thriving biodiversity, as well as hundreds of animals, many of which are suspected to be new species.
2,800 metres below sea surface
“The discovery of a new active octopus nursery over 2,800 metres beneath the sea surface in Costa Rican waters proves there is still so much to learn about our oceans,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute executive director, Dr Jyotika Virmani. “The deep sea off Costa Rica rides the edge of human imagination, with spectacular footage collected by ROV SuBastian of tripod fish, octopus hatchlings and coral gardens. We look forward to continuing to help the world witness and study the wonders of our incredible ocean.”
The seamounts, including the Dorado Outcrop, are currently unprotected from human activities such as fishing. Half of the science team was composed of Costa Rican scientists, some of whom are working to determine whether the seamounts warrant protection and should be designated marine protected areas.
“This expedition to the Pacific deep waters of Costa Rica has been a superb opportunity for us to get to know our own country,” said Cortes. “The expedition included a significant number of local scientists and students, which will accelerate our capacity to study deep regions. The information, samples and images are important to Costa Rica to show its richness, and will be used for scientific studies and outreach to raise awareness of what we have and why we should protect it.”
Underwater robot
During the expedition, scientists used an underwater robot, ROV SuBastian, to observe the seamounts and baby octopuses. The dives were made publicly available in real time through the Schmidt Ocean Institute livestream. “The discovery of these low-temperature vent sites is difficult and can only be found with submersible vehicles such as Schmidt Ocean Institute’s highly capable ROV SuBastian,” said Orcutt.
Schmidt Ocean Institute provides its research vessel, RV Falkor (too), and its underwater robot, ROV SuBastian, free of cost to the scientific community. The organization will continue research around Central America for the remainder of this year as part of a larger ten-year expedition plan.
The SuBastian is a robotic vehicle designed and constructed specifically for ocean science aboard the RV Falkor (too). Capable of diving to depths of 4,500 metres, it is equipped with a range of sensors and specialized equipment to facilitate scientific data collection, sample retrieval, interactive research, experimentation and technology development. To ensure real-time monitoring of its surroundings, ROV SuBastian features multiple video cameras and lighting systems. Moreover, visiting scientists can provide specialist imaging systems to enhance its capabilities alongside the permanent cameras. With a modular design and generous payload capacity, ROV SuBastian allows for the addition of tools as required. This underwater robot has been pivotal in numerous groundbreaking deep-sea missions, showcasing its versatility and importance in exploration.
