19.11.2007 - The “whale” story continues!
In Hordaland it is the fire department that is generally called upon to take care of the occasional whale carcass find. Biologists are becoming increasingly aware that such carcasses are evolutionary treasure troves - macro-nutrient “oases”.
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Are they stepping stones for the dissemination of organisms across nutrient-limited barriers in the deep sea / abyssal plains? Do the evolutionary processes here mirror processes in the development of life on earth? around hydrothermal vents?
Christoffer Schander is now beginning a collaboration with the fire departments in coastal communities along the Norwegian coast to be more systematic about the sinking and other handling of these carcasses so as to establish “natural laboratories” that are accessible for study in the future.
There are currently three carcasses identified in Hordaland. The first is in Korsfjorden, sunk at around 600. The second is in Bjørnafjord. It was sunk in a relatively shallow location, 114-188m, and in an area with strong currents. The third has not been sunk at all but lies stranded on Sotra. Researchers hope to recover a few bones from this carcass to use in future work in incubators at vent sites.
Schander explains that he and Hans Tore Rapp hope to lead research following the pattern of degradation / colonisation of the submerged carcasses. They will use ROVs in this work. These may be employed from a commercial ferry or from one of the research vessels (in 2008 they have booked three mini-cruises aboard the G.O.Sars: 14-15 March, 6-7 June and 23-24 October).
The researchers will be welcoming Andrew Sweetman and Craig Smith, two international specialists in whale falls, to UiB next month; 6-7 December to plan future collaborative activities.
