Overview

• The Argentine-U.S. mission’s ROV SuBastian continues streaming live dives through August 10 from the Mar del Plata submarine canyon, drawing over one million views daily.
• Scientists have documented more than 120 species, including starfish nicknamed “Patricio” and a snail dubbed “Gary,” generating viral social media engagement.
• CONICET and GEMPA launched a free sticker album for children to learn about the expedition’s discoveries and deepen public involvement.
• Facing a 21% real-term budget cut and 35% salary decline, CONICET researchers will stage a 48-hour strike starting August 6 to protest funding reductions.
• Data on newly recorded species and deep-sea pollution will underpin Argentina’s bid to establish its first marine protected area in the South Atlantic.