Whale Fall Creates Thriving Ecosystem in the Depths of the North Pacific
Deep beneath the waters of the North Pacific, the remains of a gray whale have created a thriving ecosystem that continues to support life even after the whale’s death. Known as a “whale fall,” this massive carcass was discovered 1,250 meters deep off the coast of British Columbia at Clayoquot Slope in 2009 by researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
Since 2012, scientists from Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) have been studying the decomposition rate of the whale skeleton and tracking the changes in the diversity of marine life that inhabit the area. The most recent visit to the site was part of an expedition by the Ocean Exploration Trust’s (OET) EV Nautilus, which aimed to check on the underwater observatories operating on Clayoquot Slope.
During the expedition, a remotely operated submersible called ROV Hercules captured high-resolution video and conducted a photogrammetry survey of the whale fall. Led by benthic ecologist Fabio De Leo of ONC, the survey aimed to understand how the remains of the whale support a diverse assemblage of marine organisms.
Whale falls are considered an oasis of food supply in the often food-poor deep-sea floor. In 2019, scientists discovered a fresher whale fall on the Davidson Seamount, crawling with octopuses, eelpouts, worms, grenadiers, and crabs. The Clayoquot whale fall, although in shallower waters, still supports a rich benthic fauna even 14 years after its discovery.
The observed species at the Clayoquot whale fall include limpets, sea snails, isopods, crabs, rattail fish, and tube worms. Remarkably, the same tube worms that were seen in 2009 are still making a home on the left jaw bone of the whale. Sea snails can be seen perched atop tall columns, which are their eggs. This not only replenishes the whale fall ecosystem with new baby sea snails but also provides food for other animals, such as crabs.
In addition to the survey, researchers collected samples of seafloor sediment from the area around the whale fall. These samples will be tested for environmental DNA, which will provide a more accurate survey of the organisms thriving in the dark depths nourished by the whale carcass.
The study of whale falls and the ecosystems they support provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of marine life and the role of these fallen giants in sustaining biodiversity in the deep sea. The adventures of EV Nautilus can be followed on the Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus Live website, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of whale falls and the life they sustain.
What are the long-term effects of whale falls on the surrounding ecosystem, including changes in species dominance and overall biodiversity
Explore and document the ongoing ecological processes that occur around the whale fall.
The discovery of the whale fall created a buzz among scientists as it provided a unique opportunity to observe the complex interplay between decomposition and colonization. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it creates a bonanza of nutrients that nourish a variety of organisms for years.
The first organisms to arrive at the scene are usually scavengers, such as hagfish and sharks, which feed on the soft tissues of the decomposing carcass. Over time, the whale’s bones, enriched with essential minerals, become a habitat for different types of marine life.
The ONC researchers have been monitoring the whale fall for nearly a decade, using underwater cameras and sensors to document changes in the surrounding ecosystem. They have observed a gradual shift in the dominant species as the decomposition process progresses.
Initially, the whale attracted an abundance of bone-eating worms known as Osedax, which play a crucial role in breaking down the whale’s skeleton. As the worms continue to consume the bones, they create a nutrient-rich environment that supports additional species.
Other organisms that have been observed at the site include deep-sea crabs, shrimp, and fish, which take advantage of the abundance of food and shelter provided by the whale fall. These organisms attract larger predators like octopuses and sleeper sharks, creating a thriving and diverse ecosystem.
The recent expedition by the EV Nautilus provided further insight into the dynamics of the whale fall ecosystem. Using remotely operated vehicles, the researchers collected samples and conducted experiments to better understand the species composition and ecological processes at play.
The data collected during the expedition will contribute to a growing body of scientific knowledge about whale falls and their ecological significance. It highlights the importance of understanding the role of these events in nutrient cycling and the promotion of biodiversity in deep-sea ecosystems.
Whale falls represent one of nature’s remarkable processes, where death becomes the catalyst for new life. They provide a valuable window into the hidden depths of the ocean and the interconnectedness of its diverse inhabitants. Through continued research and exploration, scientists hope to unlock even more secrets about these fascinating underwater ecosystems.
This intriguing article delves into the mysterious benthic depths, shedding light on the astonishing life-sustaining ecosystem that emerges from a whale fall. It’s fascinating to uncover how even in death, these majestic creatures provide a vital habitat for diverse organisms. Nature’s resilience never fails to amaze me!