Ocean Life News in Brief: March-15-2015

Study of Depths of Lake Banyoles Reveals Oceans in the Remote Past

Investigation led by the Center of Advances Studies of Blanes CEAB-CSIC has found a match for genetic material of microbes living in the depths of the lake Banyoles -Girona. Scientists assure that the data reveals what oceans were like in the past when the first forms of life come to be on Earth. The investigation led by the Director of the CEAB Emilio O. Casamayor of the CSIC assure that the discovery could have applications in bioremediation as well aid in the prediction of ocean behaviour in face of future climate change scenarios. 

NASA and Harvard University Address Antarctic Ice Retreat

International press reported on studies based on NASA satellite calculations which reveal ice retreat in the Antarctic. “Parts of the Antarctica are melting at such an accelerated rate that the continent has become ground zero for global climate change,” Jerry Mitrovica geophysicists of the University of Harvard stated. 

Geothermal Springs of Beaches of New Zealand in Eye of International Tourism

International Tourism Press reported on the thermal beaches of New Zealand. Waters in the geothermal springs rise to up to 64 degrees Celsius. The beach also homes cold water lagoons. 

Japan Developing Crewed Submarine Capable of 12 Kilometer Dive and Exploration 

Japan is developing a crewed submarine capable of diving up to record depths of 12 kilometers. The technology is designed to explore the depths and bottom of the oceans. Asahi Japanese News Media highlighted in the report the Mariana Trenches as interest spot for investigation of the project.

Lady Shark Remembered for Pioneering Shark Studies and Science Diving 

Recognized Marine Biologist Eugenie Clark known as “Lady Shark” died on February 25th with tributes by the ocean community. Lady Shark is known for her studies in shark behaviour and pioneered the field of diving with scientific purposes.

Group Divers Stumble Upon 2 Thousand Gold Coins in National Park Caesarea 

Divers have discovered at National Park Caesarea waters over 2 thousand gold coins in perfect state of conservation. The discovery was made by a group of amaterur divers. 

Valencia University Team Working on Lateral Sonar Sweep to Detect Marine Turtles 

Team of scientists of the Institute of Investigation for the Integral Management of Coastal Zones IGIC of the Valencia UPV Polytechnic University is working on how to detect marine turtles acoustically. The use of the methodology of acoustics proves to be of value for the team which has been working for the past eight months developing the acoustic detection system. The system is based on a lateral sonar sweep. 

Deep Look Series Releases Video Footage of Plankton Behaviour 

Video footage of KQED´s Deep Look series is revealing the “invisible world” of the most diminute creatures which inhabit the oceans. Plankton behaviour and the base of the food webs are shown at their peak in the footage.

The Guardian Releases Best Photography of the Volvo Ocean Race 

The Guardian released the “best pictures of the fourth stage of the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race, from Sanya to Auckland”. 

Surfer Photographer Exposes Nantucket Frozen Wave Dynamics

Surfer and photographer Jonathan Nimerfroh exposed the frozen surf waves of the beach of Nantucket, Massachusetts, US. The images speak directly of the dynamic of frozen ocean waters when hit upon shorelines. 

Ocean Care Calls for Conservation and Management of Maldives Basin 

Ocean Care made a call for the protection, conservation and management of the ocean environment of the Maldives. 

Archaeologist Goddio and the Egyptian Sunken Mediterranean City in Media Spotlight 

The work of the underwater Archaeologist Franck Goddio is in the media spotlight. After dedicating his best years to the search of lost underwater civilizations Goddio worked to find beneath the deep surface of the Mediterranean Sea an entire Egyptian city known as Thonis-Heracleion.

Schmidt Ocean Institute Perth Canyon Expedition Open for the World 

The Schmidt Ocean Institute reports on the new expedition from the Perth Canyon Australia trench. The institute allows for free live access to ROV streaming video “Perth Canyon is one of Australia’s subsea treasures, and as such is a proposed national reserve,” the Institute which is already operative in location assured. Information rising from the expedition expands significantly known knowledge. 

Schmidt Ocean Institute Revealing Thriving Ecosystem of Mariana Trench

The Schmidt Ocean Institute continues the exploration the Mariana Trench. The Institute assures to have discovered new species in the “deepest environment on Earth”. Onboard Research Vessel Falkor which targeted multiple depths the team discovered thriving and active community of animals. The project also broke the record for the “deepest rock samples ever collected”. 

US Pennsylvania University Paper Takes to Pacific Ocean Dynamics with New Focus 

Climate Scientists of the Pennsylvania State University of US Michael Mann co-authored a paper which addresses Pacific Ocean Dynamics and the components of the cycle related to sea surface temperatures, dynamic flow rates, speed of ocean dynamics and climate change.