Argentina’s Deep Sea Study Group, made up mostly of CONICET scientists, has won the BBVA Foundation Biodiversity Award in the global Environmental Education and Communication category. The prize, contested by 47 entries worldwide, is worth 80,000 euros.
It recognises the Talud Continental IV expedition, which spent three weeks exploring the Mar del Plata submarine canyon aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel Falkor (too). The live stream was followed by 4 million people, with some 22 million views, and the campaign revealed at least 57 new marine species.
The group has run 91 educational activities, including 44 school talks. “It is an enormous joy and source of pride,” said chief scientist Daniel Lauretta. Next year a new expedition will explore the Ameghino and Almirante Brown canyons off Chubut province.
