Tierney Thys: Swim with giant sunfish in the open ocean

TL;DR

The talk explores the life and behavior of the giant ocean sunfish, also known as the Mola mola, as well as the importance of studying marine life in the face of changing oceans.

Transcript

I'd like to start tonight by something completely different, asking you to join me by stepping off the land and jumping into the open ocean for a moment. 90 percent of the living space on the planet is in the open ocean, and it's where life -- the title of our seminar tonight -- it's where life began. And it's a lively and a lovely place, but we're... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌊 The open ocean is rapidly changing due to overfishing, irresponsible fishing, pollution, and climate change, leading to an increase in low-energy animals like jellyfish and bacteria.
• 🐠 The giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, preys on jellyfish and holds the title for the world's heaviest bony fish.
• 🌍 The Mola mola has a bizarre round shape and is considered one of the most evolutionarily-derived fish in the sea.
• 🐟 Molas transition through different stages of development, from eggs to spiky porcupine fish to behemoth loners.
• 🌞 Molas are loners, which is beneficial in today's seas where schooling can be fatal. However, they often get caught in nets as by-catch.
• 🔬 New technology, such as tags that record temperature, depth, and light intensity, allows scientists to study the behavior and habitat of open ocean creatures like the Mola mola.
• 🌊 Molas in the Pacific exhibit homebody tendencies and have a daily routine of diving between the surface and the deep scattering layer in search of food.
• 🌍 The Census of Marine Life project aims to tag and study various marine animals worldwide, providing valuable insights into our oceans with the help of local knowledge.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are the oceans changing and how is human activity contributing to these changes?

The oceans are changing due to various factors, including overfishing, pollution from agricultural runoff, and climate change. Human activities such as overfishing and irresponsible fishing practices disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem, leading to an overabundance of jellyfish and bacteria.

Q: Why are jellyfish considered a problem in the oceans?

Jellyfish can become dominant in the oceans when their natural predators, such as the giant ocean sunfish, are endangered or unable to control their population. The proliferation of jellyfish can negatively impact other marine organisms by competing for resources and disrupting the ecosystem.

Q: How does the giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, contribute to the balance of the oceans?

The giant ocean sunfish is a voracious predator of jellyfish and helps control their population. By consuming large quantities of jellyfish, the sunfish helps maintain a balance in the marine ecosystem and prevents overpopulation of jellyfish.

Q: How is the giant ocean sunfish different from other fish species?

The giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, has a unique and peculiar shape, resembling a large disc with fins. It is one of the heaviest bony fish and has evolved to primarily feed on jellyfish. Unlike streamlined fish like sharks and tuna, the sunfish's shape and behavior remain mysterious and enigmatic.

Q: What techniques and technology are being used to study the behavior of ocean sunfish?

Scientists are using advanced tagging technology that can record temperature, depth, and light intensity to track the movements and behavior of ocean sunfish. This technology helps researchers understand how these fish utilize currents and temperature changes in the open ocean.

Q: What are the challenges faced in studying ocean sunfish, specifically in terms of conservation?

Ocean sunfish are often caught as bycatch in fishing nets, which poses a threat to their population. Conservation efforts must focus on reducing bycatch and protecting their habitat to ensure the survival of these essential predators in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.

Q: Why is it important to study marine life, such as the ocean sunfish, in the face of changing oceans?

Studying marine life is crucial for understanding the impact of human activities on the oceans and implementing conservation strategies. By studying ocean sunfish and other marine organisms, scientists can better comprehend the effects of climate change, overfishing, and pollution, and work towards preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The open ocean is rapidly changing due to human impact, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

• The increased presence of jellyfish and bacteria in the oceans is a potential consequence of these changes.

• The giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, is an important predator of jellyfish and plays a role in balancing ocean ecosystems.