Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Argentine scientists have identified about 40 marine species -- many previously unknown to science -- while leading one of the most significant oceanographic expeditions in the South Atlantic.
Aboard the research vessel Falkor (too) and using advanced technology, the team is exploring the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, uncovering untouched habitats, unusual organisms and clear signs of human impact.
The mission, Underwater Oases of Mar del Plata Canyon, is led by Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council in partnership with the California-based nonprofit Schmidt Ocean Institute.
At the center of the mission is the ROV SuBastian, a remotely operated submersible used for the first time in Argentine waters. The robot records ultra-high-definition video and collects biological and geochemical samples without disturbing the environment.
Thanks to this technology, the expedition is being live-streamed on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's YouTube channel, allowing anyone to tune in and observe the discoveries in real time.
