Nekton

Half the fun? The waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula in the Bellingshausen Sea in Antarctica have not been well mapped and studied. It’s not easy to get there, after all. Research Vessel Falkor (too) is currently crossing the Drake Passage as the #AntarcticaClimateConnections expedition begins. In austral summer, the Antarctic sea ice recedes, allowing scientists to map and study parts of the seafloor typically covered in ice. But Drs. Patricia Esquete from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and Aleksandr Montelli from the University College London, UK, will travel to this remote region with an international team of scientists aiming to create the first high-resolution maps of this region and study the animals that dwell here. The science team will examine seafloor features carved by glaciers over time and study the intricate ecosystems living at the interface between ice and sea. Using these high-resolution maps to guide ROV SuBastian, they will advance research on past ice-sheet dynamics, its impact on the Earth’s climate, and Antarctica’s biodiversity. This research will provide critical insights into the stability of the Antarctic ice sheet, affiliated deep-sea ecosystems, and how these systems will be impacted by climate change. https://lnkd.in/dGGeq3ed The #AntarcticaClimateConnections expedition, led by Schmidt Ocean Institute, is exploring the icy waters around Antarctica. This research effort includes three Ocean Census Science Network scientists, contributing to species discovery and advancing our understanding of life in extreme environments. #TheNipponFoundation Nekton

Preliminary findings from the Philippine Sea expedition, presented at the Deep-Sea Biology Symposium today. 🔍 Last year, Ocean Census participated in a collaborative expedition in the Philippine Sea, focusing on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge and Minami-Daito Jima Island areas. This mission was part of the broader JAMSTEC Ocean Shot Expedition. Aboard JAMSTEC's advanced research vessel 'Kaimei', the team employed innovative methods, including the use of two remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) operating in tandem. This approach enabled the exploration and cataloging of deep-sea limestone cave systems and their unique biodiversity. Some of the observations from the expedition included the collection of a whip black coral sample from a depth of 300m and the observation of several black coral colonies. These discoveries contribute valuable insights into the rich marine biodiversity of the Philippine Sea. The expedition featured two Ocean Census participant scientists: 🐙 Dr. Jann Vendetti: Curator of Malacology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, specializing in gastropods (snails). 🐙 Kurt Bryant Bacharo: Master's student at the University of the Ryukyus in Japan, specializing in cnidarians, particularly black corals. Kurt Bacharo is presenting the preliminary findings from the Philippine Sea expedition at the Deep-Sea Biology Symposium in Hong Kong today. His attendance at the symposium is supported by the Ocean Census Science Event Awards. You can find out more about his talk in the programme: https://lnkd.in/e2666ywD Read the voyage updates from the expedition: https://lnkd.in/euHAa_6A #17DSBS #OceanCenuss #PhilippineSea #TheNipponFoundation Nekton

The waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula in the Bellingshausen Sea in Antarctica have not been well mapped and studied. A Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition team, including three scientists from our Ocean Census programme will examine seafloor features carved by glaciers over time and study the intricate ecosystems living at the interface between ice and sea. Using these high-resolution maps along with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, they will advance research on past ice-sheet dynamics, its impact on the Earth’s climate, and Antarctica’s biodiversity. More information about the expedition: https://lnkd.in/dGGeq3ed Information about Ocean Census's participation: https://lnkd.in/dG6HKVZJ Follow Schmidt Ocean Institute for updates on the #AntarcticClimateConnections expedition.

We are proud to be supporting this year's 10th annual Ocean Awards, with BOAT International Media, and in association with Kensington. The judges have now been announced and you can find out more about them in the article below. Georgie Ainslie: Entrepreneur and sports broadcaster Steve Backshall: Explorer, writer and presenter Charles Clover: Co-founder, Blue Marine Foundation Madelaine L. Emberson: Director of social impact, Navigatr Group Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: Writer, broadcaster and campaigner Aino-Leena Grapin: CEO, Winch Design Nina Jensen: CEO, REV Ocean Peter Lürssen: CEO, Lürssen Frederikke Magnussen: Co-founder, A Plastic Planet Lucy Woodall: Principal scientist, Nekton Meet all the judges here: https://lnkd.in/epVWQe63 Nominations for the Ocean Awards 2025 are open until 7th February and the winners will be announced in the June 2025 issue of BOAT International. Do you know a project or individual who has made a huge impact for our ocean this year? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/epVWQe63 #OceanAwards2025

Submit your nomination for the Ocean Awards 2025! 🌊 We are delighted to partner with Boat International for the 10th edition of the prestigious Ocean Awards. The crisis in our oceans is the largest solvable problem on the planet, and the annual awards celebrate a wealth of extraordinary personal and collective efforts to save our seas, from local heroes to renowned scientists and pioneering innovators. Nominations close one month today, so click below to find out more. Ocean Awards 2025 👉 https://lnkd.in/gUUZmwbr The Ocean Awards 2025 comprises five categories, recognising individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses that have significantly contributed to ocean conservation. #OceanAwards #OceanAwards2025 #OceanConservation #SaveOurSeas #MarineHeroes

WE'RE HIRING 📣 We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to co-lead and implement Nekton’s strategy, operational and fiscal oversight and team management. This includes collaborating with science, marine operations, logistics, data, communications, finance and central operations teams along with an international alliance of science, business, government, philanthropic and civil society partners. As Chief Operating Officer, you will manage one of the major global marine biodiversity programmes of the decade, radically advance our knowledge of ocean life, catalyse global marine conservation, inspire ocean engagement, and harness and champion equitable, international collaboration. Experience in marine research, environment, conservation and / or marine industry is desirable but not essential and candidates from other sectors are encouraged to apply. APPLY NOW: https://lnkd.in/ecGa374w Please share this opportunity with your networks.

WE'RE HIRING 📣 We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to co-lead and implement Nekton’s strategy, operational and fiscal oversight and team management. This includes collaborating with science, marine operations, logistics, data, communications, finance and central operations teams along with an international alliance of science, business, government, philanthropic and civil society partners. As Chief Operating Officer, you will manage one of the major global marine biodiversity programmes of the decade, radically advance our knowledge of ocean life, catalyse global marine conservation, inspire ocean engagement, and harness and champion equitable, international collaboration. Experience in marine research, environment, conservation and / or marine industry is desirable but not essential and candidates from other sectors are encouraged to apply. APPLY NOW: https://lnkd.in/ecGa374w Please share this opportunity with your networks.

Updates from our Species Discovery Workshop in Chile! The team have had a productive first week sorting and analysing samples and specimens from the summer's Nazca High Seas expedition. The expedition was led by Schmidt Ocean Institute and you can read about the incredible discoveries made in the link below. The species discovery workshop is now taking place at Universidad Católica del Norte. Over the last week, scientists from the Ocean Census Science Network have been studying squat lobsters, brittle stars, sea stars, urchins and gastropods. 🐌 We also welcomed a team visiting from Juan Fernandez, who were able to get up close to the deep sea specimens, and learn how the scientists are growing our knowledge of the south Pacific, deep sea biodiversity. Please join us in wishing the team an exciting week ahead and congratulating them on their work so far. More information on the Nazca High Seas expedition: https://lnkd.in/eUqVZQkP

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT THE OCEAN CENSUS We're looking forward to a busy calendar of expeditions and workshops next year, and as a result are looking to expand our Science and Expeditions teams. Apply via the links below. Please note the different application deadlines. 🔬 Workshop Coordinator The Workshop Coordinator is responsible for developing and managing all the species discovery workshops, and the curation of all specimens collected through Ocean Census. Additional responsibilities and opportunities are phased into the development of the role from April 2025, and this may include participating in some research expeditions. Apply Now ➡️https://lnkd.in/gdREgtVz Deadline: 15th December 2024 🚢 Expeditions Logistics Coordinator We are looking for an individual with relevant experience to support the Expedition Team in travel, administrative and logistical aspects of implementing expeditions. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with experience in either international logistics, scientific field operations, maritime operations, or media production. Apply Now ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gF8reM7p Deadline: 20th December 2024 Please share these opportunities with your networks.

NEW VACANCY: Workshop Coordinator The Ocean Census team is expanding and we are looking for a Workshop Coordinator to join the team. Details to apply on our website ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e6YKxFJP The Workshop Coordinator is responsible for developing and managing all the species discovery workshops (including leading some of these) and the curation of all specimens collected through the Ocean Census. Additional responsibilities and opportunities are phased into the development of the role from April 2025, and this may include participating in some research expeditions. Deadline for applications: 15th December 2024