The new expedition of the Conicet, in collaboration with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, surprised with an unexpected finding at the bottom of the Argentine Sea: an intact VHS cassette at 2,640 meters deep, accompanied by a starfish attached to its surface.
An object from another era in the deep ocean
The discovery occurred during the live broadcast on Monday afternoon. The scientists did not hide their astonishment and took the moment to reflect on the durability of plastic and the persistence of human waste in the sea.
“It’s very strange, besides it’s intact, it’s incredible. That shows the durability that plastic has, years go by and they remain intact,” expressed a researcher during the broadcast.
Although the VHS did not seem so old —as it was not colonized by other organisms—, its presence on the seabed became a disturbing symbol of the human footprint in remote ecosystems.
The “Life in the Extremes” expedition
From December 14, 2025 to January 10, 2026, the scientific campaign “Life in the Extremes” takes place aboard the research vessel RV Falkor (too).
- The dives are broadcast live on the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s YouTube channel.
- Researchers answer public questions and share observations in real-time.
- The main objective is to study marine ecosystems sustained by methane gas seeps, where organisms adapted to high pressure, low temperature, and absence of light survive thanks to chemosynthesis.
The advanced technology of the SuBastian submersible vehicle allows exploration of areas thousands of meters deep, capturing unprecedented images and data.
Science, outreach, and viral moments
The expedition has already generated multiple viral moments, such as the appearance of the “big-butt starfish”, a little-known species that captured attention on social media and in the media.
The discovery of the VHS adds to this list, showing how live broadcasting has not only scientific impact but also outreach, bringing oceanography and marine sciences closer to society in an accessible and participatory format.
The unexpected discovery of a VHS at the bottom of the Argentine Sea reminds us of the persistence of plastic waste and the need to reflect on human impact on the oceans. At the same time, the “Life in the Extremes” expedition demonstrates how contemporary science combines investigative rigor, transparency, and public participation to explore the most hidden corners of the planet.
