Hidden Deep
Antarctica’s Weddell Sea is home to a massive breeding colony of icefish that spans about 93 square miles, Axios reported.
Last year, a group of scientists was investigating the seafloor when they first spotted the fish nests. Initially, they only came across 60 nests, but their findings revealed the vast area was home to nearly 60 million active nests.
“We found fish nest after fish nest for four hours,” said lead author Autun Purser. “Nothing but fish nests.”
Each nest – which could contain 1,500 to 2,500 eggs – was guarded by one male icefish, CNET noted. The researchers believe the icefish used the warmer waters in the area to navigate to the breeding colony.
The team also observed that the colony is a popular destination for seals that like to snack on the icefish.
Currently, the researchers have set up cameras in the water to monitor the nests for the next three years. The authors said that they are trying to learn how the colony delivers nutrients to the unique ecosystem.
They are also calling for the creation of a regional marine protected area in Antarctica to prevent fishing or invasive research and preserve the unique habitat.
“The deep sea and under ice environment are not barren of life,” Purser said.
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