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Animals of Extreme Habitats in the Deep Sea
Port Townsend Marine Science Center Lecture Series: The Future of Oceans
February 16, 2025 @ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This lecture delves into the deep sea, Earth’s largest and least explored habitat, where life thrives in surprising ways despite extreme conditions of darkness, cold, and low food supply. Unique environments such as hydrothermal vents, hydrocarbon seeps, and tectonic trenches support diverse ecosystems with creatures like giant tubeworms, amphipods, and the Mariana snailfish. The lecture also highlights the physiological adaptations of deep-sea life and the growing threats to these fragile ecosystems from human activities like pollution and mining.
Dr. Paul H. Yancey, senior research scientist and professor of biology emeritus at Whitman College, will discuss research at these habitats, including expeditions to vents off British Columbia, seeps off Oregon, and major trench explorations using submersibles like DSV Alvin and DSV Limiting Factor. Notable discoveries of creatures from this lecture (including the translucent Mariana snailfish) have been featured in documentaries by BBC (Blue Planet II), Discovery+ Channel (Expedition Deep Ocean Part 2 – Southern Ocean), and NHK (Deep Sea Part 3 – Mariana Trench narrated by Sir David Attenborough).
To keep this series accessible to all, regardless of the ability to pay, there is no set charge for the event; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
To see the full lecture series for 2024-2025, visit our Lectures page.
