iATLANTIC PROJECT
A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH MISSION TO EXPLORE THE DEEP-SEA AROUND CABO VERDE The iMirabilis2 expedition is a 6 week-long scientific research mission that will explore the deep-sea ecosystems of the Atlantic Ocean around Cabo Verde. During those 6 weeks, the scientists on board will use state-of-the-art equipment to undertake a number of experiments and surveys that will reveal information about the inhabitants and physical conditions in the water column and at the seafloor. In addition, a large part of the activities during the expedition will be dedicated to training and skills development for early career marine scientists.
After leaving port in Vigo on 23 July 2021, the ship will sail a roundabout route southward to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands – this is Leg 0. This journey will take about a week, and during this time scientists from EMEPC and other research institutes will undertake surveying and sampling of some of the geological features on the seafloor in this part of the Atlantic, using the Luso ROV. At the same time, some of iAtlantic’s early career researchers on the ship will undergo intensive training in the use of ROV technology. Also on board will be a small team of seabird ecologists from the NGO Projecto Vito in Cabo Verde, who will use this time at sea to observe seabirds. This expedition is an excellent opportunity for them to get hands-on training and experience in seabird surveying and census techniques, as well as collecting valuable new data on seabird abundance and distribution in this area of the Atlantic. The iMirabilis journey: Leg 0 shown in white; Leg 1 in green. (Courtesy of iMirabilis2)
ROVplanet | 59
