Thousands of octopus mothers are safeguarding their recently laid eggs on the ocean floor within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The utilization of underwater photography is aiding in unraveling the enigma of this exceptional octopus garden, one of the few documented nesting sites of its kind globally. Spearheaded by a research collective that encompasses San Jose State University/Moss Landing Marine Laboratory and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), this endeavor sheds light on a fascinating realm beneath the waves.
MBARI senior scientist, Dr. Jim Barry, remarked, “It’s as if we’ve opened a door and stepped into their living space. They’re right there.” He showcased the submersible vehicles employed to monitor the site since its discovery in 2018, situated near an extinct sea volcano about 80 miles off the Monterey coast. Over time, researchers have embraced increasingly advanced instruments to glean deeper insights.
Technological leaps in deep-sea imaging have been pivotal for this endeavor. Dr. Barry explained, “We’re two miles under the surface, in cold, dark, freezing high pressure conditions. Yet, we’re capable of operating these cameras and capturing remarkable shots of these octopuses in their habitat.”
Since the initial revelation, Assistant Professor Amanda Kahn from San Jose State, alongside her colleagues, has endeavored to comprehend the motives behind the octopus migration to this area for mating and birthing. Water temperature emerged as a crucial clue.
Kahn elucidated, “We noticed the water shimmering and wavering, akin to heat rising off hot asphalt. This phenomenon hinted at unique water conditions.” Through meticulous temperature measurements, their suspicion was confirmed: the water in the crevices was indeed warmer. This warm environment fosters expedited incubation and hatching of octopus eggs while potentially shielding the young from predators.
Having been aboard the research vessel that discovered the nesting site, Professor Kahn asserts that the newly disclosed findings underscore the imperative to safeguard the marine sanctuary. She emphasized, “Preserving these crucial breeding areas is pivotal for species that reproduce exclusively within them. These hotspots play a pivotal role in protecting entire species.”
Jim Barry envisions this research having broader implications for human actions. “Understanding the seabed’s resources enables us to safeguard them from inadvertent harm stemming from activities like fishing, mining, plastics, and climate change. Armed with this knowledge, we can make informed decisions about resource management.”
This exploration not only delves into the fascinating world of the real-life octopus garden but also carries significant lessons for responsible environmental stewardship. Collaborators in this initiative include NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and the University of New Hampshire. The study’s outcomes are set to be published in Science Advances.