“The deep sea is one of the most challenging environments for science and technology. Our remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts -controlled by scientists and submersible pilots aboard the research vessel Western Flyer -allowed researchers to observe nesting octopus and deploy scientific instruments. MBARI’s advanced deep-sea technology helped uncover the secrets of the Octopus Garden. Image: Randy Prickett and Erich Rienecker © 2018 MBARI Footage filmed by the robot’s cameras was featured in Planet Earth III. Operated from MBARI’s research vessel Western Flyer, the ROV Doc Ricketts helped researchers observe life at the Octopus Garden. Warmer temperatures shorten the eggs’ incubation time, providing the offspring with a better chance of successfully hatching. Hydrothermal springs at the base of the seamount bathe the octopus’ eggs with warm water. Earlier this year, MBARI researchers and their collaborators revealed that this location provides a reproductive advantage for the pearl octopus ( Muusoctopus robustus). The Octopus Garden is located 3,200 meters (10,500 feet, or about two miles) below the ocean’s surface near the base of Davidson Seamount, an inactive underwater volcano 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Monterey, California. To witness the moment their young leave and the mums pass away was very emotional,” said Will Ridgeon, producer and director of “Ocean.” To see what the octopus mums go through in such a hostile world was hugely touching and, after two years, they almost became old friends. “It was a huge privilege to spend so much time filming these remarkable animals with Jim and his MBARI team. Like us, deep-sea animals seek safety and shelter, so it’s more urgent than ever that we work to protect the deep sea from threats like climate change.” “I hope meeting these devoted mothers inspires a new generation of ocean explorers and encourages us all to consider our connection to the deep sea. Thanks to MBARI’s advanced deep-sea camera technology and our collaboration with BBC Studios Natural History Unit, we’re able to give global audiences an intimate look into the lives of these heroic octopus mothers,” said Senior Scientist Jim Barry, who leads MBARI’s research at the Octopus Garden. “The Octopus Garden is a really special place that teems with life. The series’ second episode, “Ocean,” features footage filmed by MBARI in collaboration with BBC Studios. Produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and presented by Sir David Attenborough, this eight-part series premiered in the United Kingdom on October 22 on BBC One and iPlayer and began airing in the United States on BBC America on November 4. ![]() Image: © BBC Studios Natural History Unit Viewers meet marine animals from the shallow seas to the dark depths. The second episode of Planet Earth III, “Ocean,” explores the largest habitat on the planet. Now, MBARI has helped BBC Studios Natural History Unit share the story of these deep-sea octopus moms with global audiences as part of their new series, Planet Earth III. The Octopus Garden-an octopus nursery off the coast of Central California-captured the curiosity of millions of people around the world.
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