RRS James Cook studies deep-sea life at Porcupine Abyssal Plain

The RRS James Cook, a research ship operated by the National Oceanography Centre, commenced its 40th voyage to investigate the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, located approximately 500km west of Ireland. This expedition began on a Friday morning and is part of a long-term scientific effort aimed at monitoring life at extreme ocean depths of up to 5,000 meters. Over the course of this four-week journey, scientists will utilize advanced technology, including underwater cameras and hydrophones, to gather significant data about environmental conditions and biological activities in the deep sea. Chief scientist Dr. Andrew Gates emphasized the importance of sustained observations in understanding long-term changes in ocean ecology. Recent temperature hikes in surrounding seas, reaching 4 degrees Celsius above normal, stress the connection between surface and deep-sea environments. As Dr. Gates pointed out, deep-sea organisms depend heavily on surface-dwelling plant and animal particles that sink to the ocean floor, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem. Advancements in technological methods have transformed deep-sea research over the past four decades. Unlike early expeditions that mostly deployed sampling equipment overboard, contemporary techniques allow for real-time collection and analysis of water samples. Sensors now measure critical parameters such as carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and salinity, vastly increasing the volume of data that can be accumulated during these missions. Hydrophones additionally help researchers document underwater sounds, aiding studies of marine mammal communication and human impacts on ocean life. Ben Walker, a student from Southampton University, is on board for his first research expedition. He takes pride in studying a specific species of amphipod, already noted in previous voyages to the same area. Observing the vast expanse of the ocean while collecting samples offers him an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to our understanding of life in one of Earth’s most remote habitats. This current expedition promises to enhance scientific knowledge of the deep economy and its response to ongoing climate changes.