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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Join us on 28 Sept. for a rich discussion about seamount ecology, what scientists have learned so far, and what remains to be understood about underwater mountains in our Ocean. Register: schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/re…

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Siphonophore — the grizzly bear of squishy things. ROV pilots recorded this footage at 1589 meters during the 2025 #AsgardArchaea expedition in the deep waters of Uruguay. (Sound on to learn more.)

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The one where a crab tries very hard not to be seen. 🦀 This school of fish was observed not observing a crab crawling along the seafloor at 205 meters. The #URUGUAYSUB200 science team was exploring near the head of the La Paloma submarine canyon along the edge of the Uruguayan continental shelf.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A newly discovered deep-sea coral solves 100-year-old mystery! Meet Paragorgia quitinosa, a bubblegum coral that can grow taller than a 2-story building — w/NO internal skeleton. Scientists have wondered for over a century: how? The answer: chitin. Read the paper: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Fishy Friday: Bathypterois sp., a tripod fish. Solitary and stationary, these deep-sea denizens perch above the seafloor using specialized fin rays and face into the current. When an unsuspecting copepod or other tiny crustacean drifts by, this animal is set to snack. #Doldrums, 2,040 meters

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Squid vibes: #DeepWonders science team encountered this cutie at 1,045 m. They marveled at the specialized cells in their skin, chromatophores — these tiny sacs that contain pigment. As a squid relaxes & contracts its muscles, it reveals or hides pigment for camouflage or communication.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

In this latest Science Story — a recurring series that focuses on the people behind the science — #SaltyStaircases Co-Chief Sci Dr. Selden shares what it is like to go to sea for the first time as a chief scientist and as a new mother. youtu.be/AlO1r7dNSko?...

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Pink Rabbit’s Big Adventure (ft. Dr. Corday Selden) | Science Stories

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

#DeepWonders science team, led by @divaamon.bsky.social located 25 cold seep ecosystems and discovered 20 suspected new species. They also encountered abandoned fishing gear and trash — an important reminder that humans have an impact in places they’ve never seen or visited before.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Our latest expedition video is out. Watch and learn about #SaltyStaircases from the expedition team who've been working about 300 miles east of Barbados for the last 25 days. youtu.be/Mzcn9ixsPOk?...

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Measuring a Whisper | Seeking Salt Fingers in the Tropical Atlantic

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

This chimaera is ready for their close-up. The runway is ready, and this deep-sea beauty is cleared for takeoff. Nothing screams confidence like slowing down for a large robot and letting ROV pilots zoom right in for a visual inspection. #DeepWonders of Trinidad & Tobago, 1,246 m

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A midweek montage from the July 2026 #DeepWonders expedition to Trinidad & Tobago w/ @divaamon.bsky.social. The team located over 25 active cold seeps, discovered 20 suspected new species, and mapped approximately 13% of the country’s marine territory.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Backward-swimming Bathyopsurus — a rare deep-sea isopod that lives between 4,000 and 11,000 m. They use two pairs of enlarged, paddle-like legs to swim; scientists have observed the animal moving backward and even upside down. #DeepWonders, Trinidad & Tobago, 3,923 m

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

A chemosynthetic ecosystem — cold seeps fueling life here at 1,655 meters was discovered by the #DeepWonders science team, led by @divaamon.bsky.social, in Trinidad & Tobago. Read more about how they found it in the caption: youtube.com/shorts/waLnV...

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The month-long #DeepWonders expedition, led by @divaamon.bsky.social, documented rare ecosystems and awe-inspiring wildlife in the deep waters of Trinidad & Tobago; their work will inform future ocean stewardship in the Caribbean & beyond. Read more about this seafloor scene: bit.ly/3Szw2ap

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This is a false catshark, Pseudotriakis microdon, named for catlike eyes. A bit soft around the middle — some might even say these ground sharks are flabby — and they move rather slowly, which led to another common name: “sofa shark.” #DeepWonders, 1,086 m

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Tomopteris spp. — AKA gossamer worm — these midwater marvels live entire lives in the water column. Their fluid, dance-like moves are mesmerizing to observe! The #DeepWonders team recorded this footage at 819 meters while exploring near Trinidad and Tobago. youtube.com/shorts/TH02wq7sw8M

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Allyuh look ting! 🇹🇹 Dr. Diva Amon and a team of primarily Trinbagonian scientists explored the deep waters of Trinidad & Tobago, providing 1st holistic & systematic look at the territory. #DeepWonders will inform future ocean stewardship in the region & beyond.

Top-down view of a bright red deep-sea shrimp with long antennae resting on a smooth, sandy seabed.

Two researchers present hand-decorated paper cups featuring marine-themed drawings to a camera mounted on a tablet; the cups help demonstrate the pressure at various depths in the deep Ocean.

A smiling woman watches a colleague in a lab coat prepare a specimen over a container inside a shipboard laboratory.

A large, mottled brown goosefish with modified fin feet resting on the sandy ocean floor.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#DeepWonders seeps 🫧 ROV SuBastian's cameras revealed an oasis of thriving deep-sea mussels & critters — the mussels host symbiotic bacteria that convert gases escaping from the seafloor into usable chemical energy & carbon that fuel the mussels’ survival. youtube.com/shorts/VPsk2TeUaxw

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Alleviate any Monday-ness you might be experiencing with this highlight reel of the wild and wondrous life observed in the deep waters of Trinidad & Tobago during the #DeepWonders expedition, led by @divaamon.bsky.social youtu.be/G6krlmxdWRQ

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Enypniastes eximia, a deep-sea sea cucumber recorded at 1095 m during #DeepWonders expedition. We see how this graceful gelatinous gem earned the nickname Spanish dancer. Look how their tubefeet glide across the seafloor, scooping up nutritious marine snow as the animal swoops up into the water.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Watch our latest #DeepWonders expedition video! @divaamon.bsky.social and a largely Trinbagonian science team conducted the first systematic and holistic exploration of the island nation's deep waters. youtu.be/4sk9U00uOa4?...

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Deep Vibes | Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

These echinoderms are related to sea stars, urchins, and sand dollars. Some, called sea lilies, live on stems attached to the seafloor, while others can move about (and are called feather stars like this one). Recorded at 1,092 m during the #DeepWonders expedition led by @divaamon.bsky.social

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The #DeepWonders science team was thrilled to happen upon these animals thriving 1,143 meters beneath the ocean surface. In the deep sea, a single coral colony can support a small ecosystem, hosting squat lobsters, deep-sea spiders, and more!

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Opisthoteuthis, or flapjack, a genus of cirrate octopuses observed at 1,040 meters during the #DeepWonders expedition with @divaamon.bsky.social. Using their umbrella-like body shape, they coast through the water. Their fins help guide their way (despite looking like large floppy ears).

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Our latest #DeepWonders video is out — watch and learn about how @divaamon.bsky.social and a Trinbagonian team of scientists are exploring the waters surrounding Trinidad & Tobago and the adjacent high seas. youtu.be/X-AqBIQdfAY?...

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A Holistic Look | Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Reposted by Schmidt Ocean Institute

Wendy Schmidt @wendyschmidt.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We have a duty to preserve the intricate and painstaking work of science—to keep the endless frontier open for exploration. Read my latest op-ed, co-written with my husband Eric, here: time.com/article/2026...

time.com

Is This the End of the Endless Frontier?

“Our country needs a new consensus on how to support science,” write Eric and Wendy Schmidt.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Black swallower fish — swell dining in the deep! During a recent ROV dive near Trinidad & Tobago, the #DeepWonders science team — led by @divaamon.bsky.social — collected spectacular footage of a black swallower fish (Chiasmodon sp.) at a depth of 1259 meters.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

In the deep sea, you can’t actually see red. Read more about this red-iculous squid sighting at 762 m from #DeepWonders expedition with @divaamon.bsky.social & a team of Trinbagonian scientists here: youtube.com/shorts/KSe7z...

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Reposted by Schmidt Ocean Institute

Ocean Census @oceancensus.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Species discovery is underway in Argentina. Find out more about the latest workshop, bringing together international teams of scientists to discover new species from the South Atlantic oceancensus.org/revealing-th... Thank you to workshop partners @schmidtocean.bsky.social.

oceancensus.org

The Ocean Census Schmidt Ocean Institute Argentina Species Discovery Workshop

In July 2026, taxonomic experts will gather for the Ocean Census Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) Argentina Species Discovery Workshop.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

The #DeepWonders team, led by @divaamon.bsky.social, encountered this curious grenadier fr the genus Coryphaenoides at 1,900m — 2.3 times as deep as the height of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Also known as rattails, most are smaller; this individual was nearly 1m long.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

The #DeepWonders science team, led by @divaamon.bsky.social, of SpeSeas, is seeing many sea cucumbers, including these rhythmic water dancers that could be Benthothuria sp. They are part of the deep-sea cleanup crew, ingesting decaying detritus and pooping clean sand along the seafloor.

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The #DeepWonders science team filmed this chimaera or ghost shark at 1,027 m. @divaamon.bsky.social and a primarily Trinbagonian team of scientists are leading this expedition in Trinidad & Tobago. (Read #PoetryInOcean version here: www.instagram.com/reel/DalKGJZ...)

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A sea urchin fr the genus Phormosoma, recorded at 2,011 m (or 5x around a running track if watching this little guy makes you feel the need for speed!) According to @echinoblog.bsky.social this urchin speed-walks along the sea bottom with spines that are modified with little "shoes." #Doldrums

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

It's time to enjoy highlights from the recent #Doldrums expedition along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge! youtu.be/K9EAwh-fY-Y?...

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The Doldrums Fracture Zone | 4K ROV Highlights

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Our latest video: During a 35-day research expedition, #Doldrums scientists discovered 2 new hydrothermal vent fields in a region of the middle of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Doldrums Megatransform and Fracture Zone, abt 800 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil. youtu.be/4lFKbYye7Pw?...

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A Deeper Understanding | The Doldrums Fracture Zone

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

🚨Not one, but two Magnapinna squid! 🚨 the #doldrums team observed 2 elusive Magnapinna sp., commonly known as bigfin squid, at approximately 4,300 m (about 2.7 miles). Magnapinna is the deepest-dwelling squid. Sightings of these animals are extremely rare — seeing two in one dive is extra exciting!

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

An addition to the "Awesomely Peculiar Hall of Fame" — extremely rare sighting of a barreleye fish, & first footage of this species, Winteria telescopa, alive in situ. Filmed during the #Doldrums expedition at 710 m. Read more about tubular eyes & a light organ here: youtube.com/shorts/1bhh3...

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A barreleye fish with binocular vision & a sole!

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

The #Doldrums science team recorded these smooth swimmers during ROV operations between 3,700 and 3,900 meters while exploring the Doldrums Megatransform and Fracture Zone along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Read about how sea cucumbers are useful in evolutionary dev. bio: youtube.com/shorts/rPhdn...

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YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Learn more about Dr. Paula Zapata Ramírez's journey in our latest Science Story, a recurring feature that explores science as a human endeavor and shares the stories of the people who are boldly exploring our unknown Ocean. youtu.be/j6liONFBO3M?...

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Discovering the Deep (ft. Paula Zapata Ramírez) | Science Story

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

It's International Day of Women in Engineering, which gave us (yet) another reason to celebrate the amazing and talented crew on board R/V Falkor (too), especially 2nd Engineer Roxy — if it's broken, she can fix it! Read more: youtube.com/post/Ugkx8lV...

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Post from Schmidt Ocean Institute - YouTube

If it’s broken, she can fix it. Roxana “Roxy” Gonzalez Contreras is the second engineer on R/V Falkor (too). She’s part of a team of seven people who keep th...

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Schmidt Ocean Institute @schmidtocean.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

The #Doldrums team on R/V Falkor (too) — led by Dr. Aaron Micallef fr @mbarinews.bsky.social — collected this footage of a black smoker over 3,900 m (2.4 miles) deep. youtube.com/shorts/_SGar...

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#PoetryInOcean excerpt from “Extremophile”#Doldrums

YouTube video by Schmidt Ocean Institute

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