Beneath The Waves

Publication highlight // Innovations in the mapping of blue carbon ecosystems are needed to properly understand and acknowledge their conservation potential. Our team recently developed and tested a new benthic mapping solution using LiDAR and multispectral imaging on seagrass meadows in the Bahamas. We found that these mapping techniques accurately identified correct seafloor class types ranging from 92 to 98% for seagrass. These provide a new solution for mapping seagrass and provide evidence to expand this to other blue carbon ecosystems. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gJNMbZgD #bluecarbon #climatesolutions #btwaves #seagrass #blueocean #planetocean

Publication Highlight // Orca whales have been an apex predator all over the world, but recent observations have shown them predating on elasmobranch (sharks and rays) species too. Our team members set out to identify and describe these predator-prey interactions between ocean giants to better understand them and apply the implications of such activity to ecological management practices of the Cabo Pulmo National Park and beyond. Using drone footage from a variety of sources, including locals in the area, we were able to identify said interactions showing the impact of citizen science as well. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/guaa7Kcz Authors include: Kathryn Ayres Erick Higuera Austin Gallagher Photo work by: @brandondcole @erick.higuera @carloslzn @luismariocabopulmo

Publication Highlight // Understanding the connectivity between the various aquatic environments and highly mobile predators is essential to knowing how energy is transferred between ecosystems and in turn allows for stability, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s changing ocean. Our team participated in a study throughout The Bahamas where the primary objective was to develop an overview of energic resource use at the species-level for elasmobranchs. Through the analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes, the team was able to quantify the resource pools for various prey items of the elasmobranchs. Studies like this, that support the importance of highly mobile predators to the health of the ecosystem, are necessary for successful predator conservation efforts. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjJKPfwH #oceangiants #planetocean #sharkconservation #oceanconservation #btwaves #blueplanet

Publication Highlight // Part of our Ocean Giants program at Beneath The Waves is partnering with some of the world largest marine organisms to conduct research, as they are the most “evolutionarily informed oceanographers”. The team participated in a study with colleagues at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution where they analyzed satellite tagged animals (including tunas, billfish, and sharks) vertical movements throughout the water column in the North Atlantic, and combined that with model predictions of deep prey layers. The results showed that the animals frequented the twilight and midnight zones, suggesting that the zones that previously were not considered relevant may actually provide ecosystem services to important predator species. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/guPfxXvg #oceanscience #oceangiants #climatesolutions #sharkconservation

Publication Highlight // Earlier this year we published a paper recording of a school of scalloped hammerhead sharks (S. lewini) in the deep waters off Grand Cayman, where we also describe a recent, concomitant increase in numbers of the species, and its critically endangered congener, the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), around the Cayman Islands. Observations of scalloped hammerheads on deep-water BRUVS were made on several occasions with one group of at least 11 swimming at a depth greater than 600 feet. It appears this species may be slowly re-occupying the area, selecting and using deeper waters to school. This shows the continued importance of exploring the deep and extending protection further beneath the waves. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gCD7t2Eg Cover photo: @uncle_haynen Partners: Cayman Islands Department of Environment #oceangiants #planetocean #sharkconservation #bluecarbon #oceanconservation #btwaves #blueplanet

Incredible work from the team during our most recent expedition in TCI with our partners at Big Blue Collective!! Congratulations to Anne L. Haley for another strong dataset for her PhD! 🦈 🌊

BTWaves is thrilled to be part of the Search for Lost Sharks! 🦈 💦 Bringing our experience in innovative deep-sea technologies and partnering with Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), Minorities in Shark Sciences, PADI AWARE Foundation, Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance, and ReShark, we’re joining forces with Re:wild to help rediscover sharks, rays, and chimeras that have been lost to science for over a decade. From the glowing-eyed Crying Izak catshark to the elusive New Ireland Stingaree (last seen in 1825!), this initiative unites researchers, local communities, and citizen scientists to bring these rare and cryptic species back into the spotlight. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gvnTtdD4 Illustrations by Marc Dando

Last week at Climate Week NYC, Dr. Austin Gallagher, Founder and CEO, participated on a panel with the Atlantic Council during the Global Future Forum to discuss ocean security. Watch the recording below!