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 specific organisms have been observed to colonize and thrive on whale falls in the North Pacific?
Gather more data on how whale falls impact deep-sea ecosystems.
Whale falls are unique ecological phenomena that occur when a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, providing a valuable source of nutrients for a variety of organisms. As the carcass decomposes, it creates a chemical and biological oasis in the otherwise food-limited deep-sea environment.
The gray whale that was discovered off the coast of British Columbia has been a source of scientific fascination since its initial discovery over a decade ago. Its enormous body attracts a diverse range of scavengers and opportunistic organisms that feed off the decaying flesh.
Over the years, the researchers from ONC have observed a series of changes in the fauna that colonize the whale fall. Initially, large scavengers such as hagfish and sleeper sharks were found feeding on the carcass. As the decomposition progressed, smaller scavengers like bone-eating worms and deep-sea crustaceans started to thrive.
The whale fall ecosystem does not solely rely on the carcass itself. The surrounding sediments play an essential role in sustaining this unique ecosystem. Bacteria in the sediments break down the complex organic molecules from the whale carcass into simpler compounds, providing a food source for other organisms.
The recent expedition by EV Nautilus aimed to gather more information about the long-term impact of whale falls on deep-sea ecosystems. Using remotely operated vehicles, the researchers collected samples of sediment, water, and various marine organisms that inhabit the area.
Preliminary findings from the expedition suggest that the whale fall has not only attracted a diverse range of scavengers but has also significantly increased the overall biodiversity of the area. This supports the idea that whale falls are hotspots for marine life, contributing to the overall richness and productivity of deep-sea ecosystems.
Understanding the ecological importance of whale falls is crucial for conservation efforts in the deep sea. It highlights the significance of large marine mammals in maintaining biodiversity and supporting a thriving ecosystem even after their death.
As scientists continue to explore and study these underwater phenomena, they hope to shed more light on the intricate dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems and the role of whale falls in sustaining life in the depths of the North Pacific.
This article sheds light on the fascinating world of whale falls in the North Pacific, emphasizing the crucial role these majestic creatures play in ecosystem dynamics. A captivating read that expands our understanding of the interconnectedness of marine life.
This article sheds light on the fascinating phenomenon of whale falls and their crucial role in North Pacific ecosystems. Understanding the impact of these majestic creatures even after death is a testament to the interconnectedness of life in our oceans.