An underwater robot exploring the South Atlantic seabed has captivated Argentines with its live stream of vibrant coral and previously unseen fish. The robot, remotely operated by scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, is part of a 20-day expedition to explore the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge plunging nearly 4,000 meters deep.
The live stream has showcased incredible marine life, including an orange starfish with symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks, which prompted comparisons with Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants. Scientists provide live commentary on YouTube, allowing the public to gain a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. Expedition leader Daniel Lauretta notes that science becomes part of everyday life through this live stream.
The Mar del Plata canyon is a unique ecosystem where the cold, nutrient-rich Malvinas current meets the warm, salty Brazil current. This confluence creates an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora, making it an ideal location for scientific research. The expedition involves 25 scientists from the Argentine research agency CONICET and the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, who are collecting biological samples and sending back high-definition images.
Despite the expedition's success, funding for such projects is under threat in Argentina due to budget cuts. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has faced severe underfunding, with a 21% budget fall last year and salary plummeting by 35% since December 2023. Nevertheless, the live stream has shown the power of interactive science, bringing the wonders of the ocean to a wider audience.
