In a routine observation study by German researchers, the largest fish breeding ground ever recorded was discovered in the south of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. It has been determined that there are two nests per square meter in the fish breeding areas spread over an area of 240 square kilometers in total. In each nest, it was discovered that there were fish eggs up to 2,500. It was determined that the total number of nests of ice fish was 60 million.
The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), which has been researching the depths of the Weddell Sea since the early 1980s, has so far only been able to find small nesting sites. Deep-sea biologist Dr. Autun Purser states that it is quite surprising that the world’s largest fish breeding site, discovered at a depth of 535 meters, has not been observed before.
‘Marine protection efforts need to accelerate’
As a result of their studies, the researchers determined that the cold waters in this region rose and the deep waters remained warm. For this reason, it was discovered that this region was preferred by fish as a breeding ground. In addition, it was seen that seals were concentrated in this region. Based on historical data, it is estimated that seals may see these fish nests as a source of food.
Researchers who explored the area say this is an incentive to improve marine conservation efforts in Antarctica. Antje Boetius, director and professor of marine biology at the Alfred Wegener Institute, states that international partners must act together to stop fishing in this region.
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