In this ongoing series, we look into some of the special projects that EYOS has supported over the years through expertise in marine logistics and operations. This week, we take a record-setting dive into the enigmatic Midnight Zone of the Southern Ocean with the crew of BBC’s Blue Planet II to reveal the mysterious life that thrives in the challenges of the deep.

You may not have heard of the Midnight Zone before, but this region of the ocean is the single largest habitat on the planet, accounting for 70% of all seawater. Also known as the bathypelagic zone, this vast expanse of the ocean lies between 1,000 and 4,000 meters below the surface. But due to its remote location and the difficulty to reach it, it is poorly understood. At this depth, sunlight cannot penetrate, and total darkness prevails (hence the name midnight). The pressure at these depths is immense, reaching levels that would crush most forms of life, and temperatures sit near a constant 39° F. 

Antarctica Operations | Submersibles | EYOS Expeditions
Photo: Martin Enckell

After centuries of exploration, much of the Midnight Zone remains uncharted territory and we know little of the life that inhabits it . Based on what we do know, however, the Midnight Zone is unexpectedly full of life, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of marine organisms. Scientists have worked to unravel the mysteries of this deep-sea realm, using cutting-edge technology to study its inhabitants and their adaptations. Through deep-sea submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and advanced sampling techniques, researchers regularly gain new insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of the Midnight Zone.

During the austral summer of 2016/2017, EYOS was part of this cutting-edge exploration along with the crew of BBC’s critically acclaimed Blue Planet series, supporting the team in a first-ever descent to this zone in the waters of Antarctica. The team assisted with permitting, polar logistics, and operational support onboard the 180-foot research vessel Alucia on a three-month, three-voyage deployment to Antarctica.

Antarctica Peninsula | EYOS Expeditions
Photo: Christopher Scholey

Once at depth, the cameras revealed a fascinating diversity of creatures such as the ancient Graneledone Antarctica octopus, giant sea spiders, ice dragonfish, and Labidiaster annulatus, an Antarctic sunstar that can grow up to 50 arms and has been nicknamed ‘the death star’. The dive was just a small glimpse into the wide array of life at depth in the Southern Ocean that will continue to reveal itself as we continue to push the boundary into the unknown.

 

EYOS is proud to support unique, complex initiatives like this one to further our understanding of the world’s oceans. We are the industry leader in highly-specialized project oversight – to read more about the special projects we manage, visit eyos.com/special-projects/.