Scientists stunned as robot reveals immense icefish domain under ice

Scientists stunned as robot reveals immense icefish domain under ice (Image: Weddell Sea Expedition 2019)

Scientists have uncovered thousands of icefish nests beneath Antarctic ice. The discovery came during an expedition searching for Shackleton’s lost ship. A robot named Lassie surveyed the seafloor in the Weddell Sea.

It found a massive breeding colony newly exposed by shifting ice. Researchers say the find reveals astonishing underwater behaviour.

Survival Strategy Beneath Extreme Ice

The nests belong to the yellowfin notie species. These fish survive freezing conditions near Antarctica. Their clustering may represent a “selfish herd” strategy. Central nests gain shared protection from all neighbours.

Outer nests belong to strong individuals defending boundaries. Such behaviour increases young survival chances greatly.

Thousands of Carefully Built Homes

More than 1,000 circular nests were spotted together. Each nest appeared cleaned of seafloor debris. A fish guarded each nest with strong defensive behaviour. Eggs filled many nests during the robot’s survey.

The nests formed striking geometric patterns across dark seafloor regions. Scientists believe icefish create secure neighbourhood communities.

Technology Unlocks Hidden Biodiversity

The ROV mapped areas once unreachable under thick ice. The region was covered by the Larsen C Ice Shelf. The collapse of iceberg A68 exposed this unseen ecosystem.

Scientists used AUVs and cameras to confirm behaviours. The study expands understanding of polar biodiversity significantly.

Urgent Conservation Value

The region may require protection under conservation agreements. Icefish provide vital roles within Southern Ocean food webs. Disturbance could harm fragile under-ice communities rapidly. Researchers advocate careful policy consideration for the area. This newly revealed habitat needs urgent safeguarding measures.