A plastic bag with Chinese inscriptions, detected at over 1,200 meters deep and 300 km off the coast of Mar del Plata, sparked surprise and debate. It happened during the international live broadcast within the framework of the Station 69: Mar Del Plata Canyon | SOI Divestream 812 project.
The discovery took place on Saturday morning, using the remote operated vehicle ROV SuBastian. More than 18,000 people followed the signal on YouTube, commenting on real-time findings and actively participating in what was an unprecedented fusion of scientific exploration and digital citizenship.
Impact on networks, unknown biodiversity, and active participation
One of the users who followed the broadcast was Andrés Snitcofsky (@rusosnith), who shared highlights on social media, including the bag found on the seabed. This sparked a discussion about the proximity of the area to the 200-mile mark, where legal and illegal fishing fleets operate.
Beyond the waste, the event allowed the observation of little-known species, such as a starfish at 1,195 meters, a Graneledone boreopacifica octopus, and a crab. The audience’s questions were answered by the scientific team on board in real-time, creating an educational and accessible atmosphere.
“We know more about the lunar surface than our own seas,” reflected Snitcofsky, emphasizing the relevance of these types of campaigns.
Applied science: biodiversity, environmental DNA, and plastic in the sea
The expedition, titled Underwater Oases of Mar del Plata Canyon: Continental Slope IV, is driven by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Organism Biology (IBIOMAR-CONICET). It involves more than 30 researchers from various national institutions.
This is the first time the foundation has operated in the deep waters of the southwestern Atlantic. It is part of a series of studies on vulnerable benthic habitats, sediment dynamics, reproductive processes, environmental DNA, and the presence of microplastics and garbage in remote areas.
All the audiovisual content generated will be shared in open-access repositories, and part of it will be incorporated into museums and educational spaces in the country.
Real-time science and a strong warning
What started as an underwater exploration ended up becoming a masterclass in oceanic science. The appearance of plastic waste in deep areas not only amazes but reveals the extent of our human activity.
The final message was clear: we need to explore to understand, and also to act. Even in the most inaccessible corners of the ocean, the anthropogenic footprint persists. Looking at the bottom of the sea is looking at the bottom of our own responsibilities.
