Underwater Cemetery: More Whale Skeletons Discovered Than Ever Before
Over 60 whale skeletons have been discovered submerged off the coast of Los Angeles, California, surpassing the total number found worldwide since 1977. This remarkable find, reported by the Smithsonian on July 20th, was made by a team of oceanographers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego.
The researchers, Eric Terrill and Sophia Merrifield, led the investigation, surveying a vast 350 square kilometers of the seafloor in 2021 and 2023. Alongside a shocking amount of toxic waste, they unearthed a truly extraordinary graveyard of whale skeletons.
Whale Falls: A Vital Ecosystem
These underwater whale carcasses, referred to as "whale falls," create vibrant oases of life on the otherwise resource-poor seafloor. Whale falls provide nourishment and habitat for diverse creatures, including scavenging hagfish, sleeping sharks, and an array of invertebrates like clams, mussels, worms, and crustaceans.
A Record-Breaking Find:
The survey identified seven whale skeletons off the Los Angeles coast, but the total number likely exceeds 60. This surpasses the number of documented whale falls worldwide since 1977, previously capped at 50. The newly found skeletons belong to various species, including gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and minke whales.
Dr. Greg Rouse, a marine biologist at Scripps, highlighted the significance of this discovery. "This is more than three to five times the number of whale falls I would have expected in this area," remarked Dr. Craig Smith, a retired oceanographer from the University of Hawaii, expressing his astonishment.
Explaining the Phenomenon:
The researchers attribute this exceptional find to a combination of factors. Their high-resolution survey, conducted across a large area, played a crucial role in uncovering these underwater treasures. The low-oxygen environment, which hinders biological and microbial decomposition, contributes to the preservation of the skeletal remains. The lack of river runoff in the area ensures minimal sediment deposition, making the skeletons easier to locate.
While the possibility of toxic waste and weapons dumping causing the whale deaths is not entirely ruled out, the researchers believe that ship strikes are more likely, given the high volume of ship traffic in the region. Thousands of gray whales migrate through this area annually, and blue whales are known to frequent the region for feeding.
Future Research and Implications:
The researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography plan to return to the site with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to gather further photographic and video evidence of the whale falls. This will aid in species identification and potentially reveal signs of ship-strike injuries. Additionally, bone samples will be collected to explore the cause of death and learn more about the whales' lives.
This remarkable discovery offers a wealth of information about the food web and the lives of organisms dependent on whale falls. It also sheds light on the role of decomposing whale carcasses in ocean carbon cycling and nutrient flow.
Summary:
The discovery of a vast whale graveyard off the coast of Los Angeles is a scientific marvel. This unprecedented collection of whale skeletons surpasses any previous discovery. The research offers a rare opportunity to study the vital role of whale falls in ocean ecosystems and to explore the impact of human activities on whale populations. This groundbreaking find promises to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions within the marine environment and the importance of preserving these crucial habitats for future generations.