Unraveling the Mystery of Deep Sea Diving Animals and Open Ocean Biomass Distribution
A new study reveals that large predatory fishes, including sharks, tunas, and billfish, frequently visit the deep ocean, particularly the mesopelagic zone. This zone, known as the ocean's twilight zone, has been underestimated as critical habitat for these species. The study, which incorporated data from electronic tags, shipboard sonar, satellites, and ocean models, highlights the ecological significance of deep diving for large pelagic predators. The research emphasizes the importance of a healthy mesopelagic zone, which provides various benefits and ecosystem services to humans. The findings also raise questions about the reasons behind these deep dives and the potential impacts of fishing and extraction activities on this critical ecosystem.
