MSNBC | thousands of new species found in deep sea

A recent AP release read on MSNBC goes on to describe ocean exploration at its finest moment - where 17,650 species have been discovered living below 656 feet, the point where sunlight ceases, according to a recent update on a 10-year census of marine life.

Story can be found here.

The process of biological discovery such as this defines the promise that ocean exploration holds for humanity. These far reaches of our planet hold new life...and it is just as alien in nature as finding life on another planet. This life, subject to extremely harsh, by human standards anyway, environmental and physiological pressures are uniquely adapted. By understanding these unique adaptations, we can learn more about life on this planet, and beyond.

It is this type of discovery that sparked my interest in diving and exploration to begin with nearly a decade ago. The fact that these alien like species have unique physiological adaptations, means that they likely have body chemistries, or chemical responses to their environment that are not seen elsewhere on Planet Earth. In some instances, these novel chemistries have alternate uses, such as in combating cancer and other human conditions. This field, called natural products discovery, is one with much promise, and the ocean is a truly untapped resource.

The MSNBC article references the expense of deepwater exploration at nearly $50,000 per day. This is naturally the primary obstacle in routine exploration of these ocean depths. However, one might note the focus of the study, that is below 600 feet. One might ask, what about these first 600 feet? Well, the vast majority of benthic marine science as we know it has taken place in the first 100 to 200 feet of water, due to limits placed on wet manned diving.

Today, new innovations in technologies AND techniques for deeper manned excursions are making it cost effective to study depths in excess of 200 feet, and up to 600 feet for scientific exploration. This region of our ocean has been overlooked until relatively recently, and is still not the primary focus of many research programs.

Investigating this area is a priority for me personally, and exposing discoveries such as those mentioned from the deep will be a focal point as expeditions begin to take shape in the coming year and beyond. Taking this next step for science means contributing to filling in a major knowledge gap for our species, and taking us just one small step closer to a symbiosis with the sea that is yet to come. Sphere: Related Content

ecogenesis, or ecogenocide?

A recent History Channel program about space exploration shed light on the concept of 'ecogenesis', of Mars in particular. For those not familiar with this activity, also known as 'terraforming', it involves catalyzing the development of a new or altered ecosystem.

The television program went on to suggest that as humans venture to Mars with the intent of colonizing the red planet, its environment might be altered to provide a more suitable and attractive place for human settlement. Introducing various biological and chemical agents would begin the long process of changing Mars' atmosphere and weather, and eventually might generate an Earth-like place to hang our hats.

The scientist/explorer in me found all of this very interesting, HOWEVER, I believe that we humans have some priorities to get straight before we selfishly take over the cosmos. I am fully in favor of forward thinking, and making innovative strides to advance our species and our quality of life...but let's get a few things in order.

First, consider the ecological, political, and financial problems here on Earth. Our current state of existence is far from sustainable, yet to responsibly explore and settle in a new frontier would require a more intricate knowledge of how the 'world turns'...literally. We take, and take, and take; and until recently much of this taking was without consideration for how the planet would respond. We desperately need a planetary management plan, a true and practical Gaia, that works , and is sustainable. This model can then be cookie cuttered to other planets. I'm all for venturing to, and settling on Mars and beyond, but let's get things right on this planet before we mess up the rest of the solar system.

Taking a deeper look at the ecogenesis concept, you will see that its success is built on the availability of water. We need water to drive environmental processes, evolution, and to survive. Herein lies an even bigger problem than human selfishness - the problem of priorities. Our Blue Planet is blue for a reason...it's covered by water. We don't need Mars to have oceans - we need to properly manage and utilize ours.

Earth is overpopulated, polluted, crippled by failing economies, and constantly threatened by one species that rules the from 25% of the planet's surface. Sounds like a fun place to visit, yes? If I were an alien visitor and saw Earth for the first time, I would seek to exploit the opportunity within the part of the planet that holds the resources that life is so dependent on...the ocean.

So here we are with the greatest known resource [water] in the universe right here in our backyard, and despite financial meltdowns, we are spending BILLIONS upon BILLIONS in trying to go to another planet that we will likely ruin do to poorly understood processes. It's ecogenocide.

For less than 1% of the funds allocated to space exploration, humans could take their first steps to oceana incognita, develop a sound understanding of this critical life-sustaining resource, and set up the start of a permanent residence that would catalyze the much needed planetary symbiosis with our species.

It's out there, and its for the taking. prime real estate awaits - not on Mars, but in our backyards, beneath the waves. Sphere: Related Content

Venezia

For an all too brief two days last week, I forwent the expense of the vaporetti and took on the City of Venice by foot to work off the trinity - wine, cheese, and chocolate that is.

With waves gently lapping onto the stone steps lining the Grand Canal, this is the place where our journey to better understand societal evolution leaps into the modern era. Venice has been a center for trade between Europe and Asia for centuries, leveraging its geographical position, as well as its accessibility...by water.



Venice is not just built on the sea, but its livelihood is truly interdependent with the sea. Its business people and residents have skill sets ingrained in their society and culture that take decades, or more, to acquire here in the 'normalcy' of the westernized world. We should be taking notes...fifty years from now many of our cities may mirror Venice's intimate relationship with water. There is no coastline, no beach...just a fully functional city - and water.

Walking through the narrow, maze-like alleys, it is hard to place yourself at any single point in Venice's history...it is such a unique place casting timeless messages about the state of our world, and the true aquatic nature of our species. Sphere: Related Content