1. Inner-Space Speciation Project Deep-sea Biodiversity in the Celebes Sea

2. Concept of the Project Southeast Asian waters hold the richest shallow water biodiversity in the world Indo-pacific archipelago is a cradle of diversity and speciation Compared to reefs and coastal waters, deep basins are unexplored Deep water is likely to be similarly rich and endemic, with new species to be found New technologies allow survey and study of animals in deepest parts of the ocean

3. Biodiversity of reef fishes in the Coral Triangle Bechtel et al. 2005

4. Latimeria menadoensis, the Coelacanth from northern Sulawesi

5. International Collaboration in Exploration, Science and Education Scientific Goals: Exploration and survey of deep ocean basins, seamounts and reefs Description and analysis of species, behavior and ecology Comparison of biodiversity, endemism and community structure with other locations Contribution to international Census of Marine Life

6. Plan A: Indonesia July 2004: Initial contact to Indonesian authorities for clearances January 2005: Madin/Kristof trip to Jakarta, presentation to Ministry of Fisheries January-August: negotiation of MOU August 2005: Madin trip to Jakarta; shipment of equipment September 2005: meetings with military representatives October 2005: Stonewalling by military forces cancellation of 2005 cruise, return of equipment to WHOI, reschedule to fall 2006

7. Plan A drags on January – May 2006: continued negotiation of MOU, State Dept and Embassy involvement; initial contact in Malaysia June – July 2006: deadlines missed, extended, missed some more July 2006: final cancellation of project in Indonesia; pursue contacts in Malaysia and Philippines

8. Plan B: Malaysia/Philippines August 2006: clearance applications through State Dept for Malaysia & Philippines October 2006: Madin/Kristof trip to Philippines & Malaysia October 2006: loss of $100K funding from Conservation International Now: Plan for reduced operation in Celebes Sea with Philippines ship in March 2007 STILL NOT FINAL – STAY TUNED

9. Education and Outreach Goals Collaborations with Philippines researchers and students High quality still and video images of marine organisms Online educational programs in Philippines, US and elsewhere Popular magazine articles and television productions for worldwide distribution

10. Specimens and Data Holotypes and voucher specimens deposited in host country Other specimens and samples deposited in US Academic collections Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology Smithsonian Institution Taxonomic, distributional and environmental data in Philippines and US academic databases Census of Marine Life Census of Marine Zooplankton

11. Principal Investigators Bruce Robison Senior Scientist MBARI Greg Stone VP Global Programs New England Aquarium Larry Madin Director of Research WHOI Bill Hamner Professor UCLA Emory Kristof Sr. Photographer National Geographic

12. Why Explore the Deep Sea? The deep ocean is the largest living space on Earth It’s properties are radically different from shallow ocean environments Some of the oldest life forms live in the deep sea Less than 1% of its volume has been explored There is a high probability of discovering new species and new biological phenomena

13. Regions of Exploration

14. Global Explorer ROV Highly maneuverable 3,000 m depth capability High Definition Video Suction samplers for organisms Portable for use on any ship

15. MOCNESS Midwater Trawl Standard sampling system for macroplankton and fish 10 m 2 trawl net 6 nets for depth- stratified samples Monitors temperature, salinity, depth and oxygen

16. Rope Cam Baited Cameras Video camera and light package with bait Set as deep as 3,000 m Developed at NGS for deep- water sharks Provide images of undisturbed animals

17. Blue-water SCUBA Diving Allows collection of fragile animals Observations of undisturbed behavior Used in top 30 m In-situ photographs and video Pioneered by Hamner, Robison and Madin

18. Proposed Research Vessel “Ventura” Deck space for ROV operations Variable pitch single screw and bow thruster Winch for deep-sea trawling to 1500 meters Berths for science party of 20 Diving support Adequate laboratory space

19. Current Cruise Plan Late February to Mid March, 2007 14 days station time at Celebes Sea deep sites Start/end at Subic Bay or Davao 15 US participants + 5 Filipino Emphasis on ROV operations, trawling, Rope-Cams Zooplankton data to CMARZ Currently no support for post-cruise analysis

20. Popular Press and Television National Geographic Magazine in US and international issues Television programs for US, Asian and other markets via NGS, PBS, other Possible book

21. Results and Benefits New discoveries of rich marine life in Philippines waters New data on biodiversity, evolution and ecology of deep-sea animals Comparative studies with shallow water and other ocean regions Public awareness of the adventure, mystery and beauty of the deep-sea Opportunities for new Philippines-US collaborations in research and education

22. Next Steps Identify Philippines scientific partners Obtain research permits and clearances Determine final dates and itinerary for cruise Arrange charter of research vessel Arrange shipping and customs clearance of expedition equipment Plan media coverage in Philippines and US