Scientists aboard the CSIRO research vessel RV Investigator have embarked on an extensive deep-sea survey of the Coral Sea Marine Park, situated off the coast of Queensland. This 35-day research voyage aims to explore marine biodiversity and assess ecological changes in one of Australia’s most significant marine environments.
Utilizing advanced scientific equipment, including a deep towed camera, environmental DNA (eDNA) samplers, trawls, and sleds, the team will gather crucial data on benthic communities. The research is spearheaded by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in collaboration with Parks Australia, Bush Blitz, and The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census. The project also involves partnerships with various museums, universities, and research institutes.
Understanding the Benthic Zone
Chief Scientist Dr. Will White emphasized the significance of this expedition, stating that it will provide vital insights into marine life that exists in the benthic zone, which is the ecological region at the ocean floor. “We’ll be exploring the deepest habitats where some of the most interesting and least known species of fish and invertebrates live,” Dr. White explained.
The survey aims to uncover unique species, including fish without eyes and swimming sea cucumbers, potentially leading to the discovery of organisms not previously documented by scientists. “Our goal is to learn more about what’s in the Coral Sea Marine Park and discover and describe as many new species to science as we can,” Dr. White added.
The research team will also employ RV Investigator’s advanced multibeam echosounders to create high-resolution maps of the seafloor. This mapping will enhance marine park managers’ understanding of underwater habitats, crucial for effective conservation efforts.
Significance of the Coral Sea Marine Park
Covering an area of 989,836 km², the Coral Sea Marine Park is the largest marine park in Australian waters, protecting significant reef areas and 67 cays and islets. It is part of a broader network of 60 marine parks managed by Parks Australia, which collectively encompass approximately 43 percent, or 3.8 million km², of Australia’s marine environment.
Shaun Barclay, Branch Head of Parks Australia’s Marine and Island Parks, highlighted the importance of such voyages for understanding and protecting habitats. “Parts of the Coral Sea Marine Park are largely unexplored, making this voyage a true frontier of marine biodiversity discovery,” he stated. The information gathered will contribute to evidence-based decision making for the management of the marine park.
The research team will also engage with schools across the country through live broadcasts, facilitated by Bush Blitz, to showcase the experiences of researchers working at sea. Following the conclusion of the voyage, the collected data and specimens will be analyzed by both national and international scientists, contributing to a broader understanding of Australia’s deep-sea environments.
This project is supported by a grant of sea time on RV Investigator from the CSIRO Marine National Facility, which is backed by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Through this collaboration, the research aims to enhance knowledge of marine biodiversity and support long-term conservation efforts in the Coral Sea Marine Park.
