This resident Green Moray Eel greeted our ROV on a dive in Batemans Bay, NSW not long ago. Green Moray Eels are just one of more than 160 different species of Moray Eel around the world. Believe it or not, this green eel is not actually green – it is brown in colour. The bright yellow or green colour we see is due to a mucus that covers its body to protect it from parasites and injury from the rough surroundings of reefs and shorelines in which it lives. Maybe it should be known as Slimy Green Moray Eel?
NOAA’s 2022 Sea Level Rise Report
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently released its Technical Report on the expected rise is sea levels in the next 30 years and its impact on U.S. states and territories. You can find the report here: 2022 Technical Report, Data, FAQs
Key points in the report:
- Sea levels are going to rise by 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm) by 2050
- Sea level rise is affected by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- The frequency of extreme flooding events will increase. For example, moderate flooding events, where damage is likely to occur, are expected to increase from ~1 to ~4 times per year
This report is certainly motivating us to look more closely at how we can reduce our overall carbon footprints.
Rain… from underwater
There has been soooo much rain in Sydney lately that we decided to try something a little different and turn our ROV’s gaze upwards for a change. Result – heavy rain… as viewed from under the surface
Deep-Sea ROV footage by MBARI
Check out this truely stunning ROV footage of deep-sea creatures, filmed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Best on full screen with sound if you can…
ROV investigating Fukushima Reactor
An ROV was deployed to investigate Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant that was damaged in 2011. The ROV captured images of what appears to be mounds of nuclear fuel that melted and fell to the bottom of the most damaged reactor.
This investigation was the first attempted since 2017 when an ROV was unable to capture any images because of extremely high radiation levels. This year, the robotic vehicle measured radiation of 2 sievert at one location, which is still fatal to humans.
Full article at: ABCNews 11feb22