Synopsis
A CMFRI team spent 36 days in the Antarctic, facing cyclones to collect squid samples. Their research aims to understand cephalopod biodiversity, contributing to sustainable management of marine resources.Key Takeaways
- Study focused on cephalopod biodiversity in Antarctica.
- Team faced extreme weather conditions, including cyclones.
- Research aims to promote sustainable management of squid species.
- Collaboration with multiple research institutes enhances data collection.
- Findings will contribute to ongoing marine biodiversity monitoring.
Kochi, March 17 (NationPress) A two-member team from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has spent 36 days navigating through turbulent cyclones and hazardous seas to gather precious samples of various squid species, aiming to explore the cephalopod biodiversity in the Antarctic region.
This team is part of the ongoing 12th Indian scientific expedition to the Southern Ocean.
The CMFRI group, led by Principal Scientist Dr. Geetha Sasikumar and Technical Officer Dr. K.K. Sajikumar from the Shellfish Fisheries Division, is dedicated to assessing the relative abundance and distribution of cephalopods, particularly squids, while also investigating their ecological roles in the Antarctic environments.
After successfully completing their 36-day voyage, the team continues its survey, with the collected samples set to undergo rigorous analysis back at the CMFRI laboratory. This analysis will help uncover scientific insights regarding biodiversity in the Southern Ocean and determine the age of the squids by examining growth rings in their “ear bones” (statoliths).
Dr. Sasikumar emphasized that these studies are crucial for comprehending the distribution and ecological importance of these species in the region, facilitating their sustainable management.
The CMFRI team is also utilizing various techniques to assess the distribution and population of flying squids in the Southern Ocean.
This expedition, organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is led by Dr. Anoop Sharad Mahajan (IITM) and Dr. Sabu Prabhakaran (NCPOR), involving collaboration with 16 research institutes and universities across India and internationally.
The scientific mission comprises 42 researchers and aims to sample at 26 predetermined locations along the cruise route.
“Sampling in these remote oceanic areas is heavily influenced by weather conditions,” noted Dr. Sasikumar.
The expedition, planned for 47 days, encountered low-pressure systems associated with three cyclones and extreme cold winds, leading to towering waves. Cyclonic conditions at times forced the vessel to navigate through enormous waves, hindering their ability to stop at certain sampling stations.
“Sampling in frigid temperatures (-22°C) while maneuvering through icebergs and drifting sea ice proved to be challenging,” remarked Dr. Sajikumar, highlighting the harsh conditions faced. “The rough sea conditions in the ‘Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties’ made basic necessities difficult, as our primary focus was on maintaining balance within the vessel. We could only spend 2-5 minutes outside in these conditions. Despite these hurdles, we managed to collect samples for our research,” he added.
The expedition also presented breathtaking views of the vast ocean, with sightings of diverse marine species, including whales, seabirds, penguins, and seals in the Southern Ocean.
These observations provide critical data for ongoing marine biodiversity monitoring efforts in the area, stated Dr. Sasikumar.
The expedition team is currently on their way back to India, with their return subject to weather conditions.
