A ghostly encounter with a friendly Casper octopus

A ghostly encounter with a friendly Casper octopus! The science and engineering teams recently conducted a test dive to ensure that ROV SuBastian is in top shape after a brief maintenance period out of the water. Everyone was ecstatic to reach the seafloor just in time to collect stunning footage of this enigmatic cephalopod.

Discovered in 2016 and nicknamed Casper, the species has not been scientifically described or formally named, as no one has collected a specimen yet. The first collected sample of a species is very important: it is called the holotype, and taxonomists use that one specific sample as a reference for questions about identity or naming. Holotypes are usually preserved in public collections to remain available for others to study and reference.

While little is known about this species, scientists do know that it is one of two octopuses found in the Ocean’s abyssal zone. The observation in this clip took place at 4,443 meters depth, almost three miles below the Ocean’s surface. According to a 2016 paper (link in bio) by Purser et al., Casper octopuses attach a clutch of about 30 eggs — each the size of a U.S. quarter — to the stalks of dead sponges. Then, they wrap their bodies around their eggs and protect them until they hatch. They do not eat during the process, which can take several years. When the hatchlings emerge, the parent dies. To the researchers of the paper, this breeding strategy places these octopuses in great danger if efforts to advance deep-sea mining are successful. The process could destroy a fragile and slow-growing ecosystem on which these curious animals depend for reproduction and survival.

The #NazcaHighSeas expedition team is working along a chain of underwater mountains that harbor remarkable biodiversity. Many experts in marine protection and policy believe that the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridges are a top priority for designation as one of the world’s first high-seas marine protected areas, and this expedition will provide baseline scientific data to inform decision-making and policy in the region.

More information here

 

 

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Surf Sisters - Ep. 2 | National Geographic Presents: IMPACT With Gal Gadot

National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot is a six-part documentary short series that follows the powerful stories of six women who are making an extraordinary impact on their communities around the world. Despite living in areas marred by violence, poverty, trauma, discrimination, oppression, and natural disasters, these brave women remain undeterred as they dare to dream, stand out, speak up and lead. The women featured in each short film come from very different backgrounds – across Brazil, Puerto Rico, Michigan, California, Louisiana and Tennessee – yet they are all connected by their unwavering determination and commitment to improving the lives of the people around them.

Kelsey Ellis in a scene from “IMPACT with Gal Gadot.” Photo: Entertainment One

Half Moon Bay, California, U.S.A.: Kelsey Ellis is driven by two passions: surfing and helping people through grief and trauma. After losing her twin sister to COVID-19, Kelsey turns her grief into impact by healing others through a special surf therapy program that she started for women suffering from the effects of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief and loss.

Kelsey Ellis is a Grief Facilitator in Half Moon Bay, California who lost her twin sister to COVID-19 and is turning her grief to impact by healing women through surf therapy. After the sudden loss of her twin sister in 2020, Kelsey formed Waves of Grief surf therapy groups to honor and address collective grief, isolation and stress experienced during the pandemic through the Groundswell Community Project. These Surf Therapy programs invite the whole body, mind and heart into a unique healing process.

About Waves of Grief Surf Therapy Program through the Groundswell Community Project: Kelsey created the Waves of Grief Surf Therapy Programs as part of the Groundswell Community (a surf therapy community). Through these programs, she works with families and individuals to use surfing and the ocean to process their grief and mourn their loss, especially COVID-related grief and loss. Groundswell’s surf therapy curriculum is grounded in positive psychology, somatic and arts-based therapy modalities, and mindfulness practices.

About Audrey Marie Ellis Foundation: The Audrey Marie Ellis foundation was recently founded in honor of Kelsey’s twin sister Audrey, a nurse who died of COVID-19. The foundation provides direct support for women and healthcare workers while creating safe supportive spaces to gather and honor collective grief and love. The Audrey Marie Ellis Foundation is the starting point for inspiring Audrey's biggest passions: health, wellbeing and community. Donate