Why are DEEP SEA Creatures Coming to Surface? | Leviathan Mystery | Dhruv Rathee

Deep Sea Creatures: Why Are They Emerging?

Key Concepts: Deep sea creatures, oarfish, bioluminescence, Diel Vertical Migration (DVM), climate change, deep sea mining, hydrothermal vents, International Seabed Authority.

1. Introduction: Unusual Sightings of Deep Sea Creatures

• The video begins by highlighting the increasing frequency of deep sea creature sightings in recent years, a phenomenon that was once rare.
• Example: The increased spotting of oarfish, traditionally associated with Japanese legends of impending disasters (earthquakes), is noted. In 2011, prior to a devastating earthquake in Japan, numerous dead oarfish washed ashore. In 2023, a fisherman caught 50 oarfish at once, and in 2024 and 2025, oarfish were spotted in California and Mexico, respectively.
• Other examples include Giant Phantom Jellyfish spotted at shallower depths in Antarctica (80m instead of 1-2km), a Smooth Lumpfish caught in Russia, and a Black Sea Devil Anglerfish found near the Spanish coast.

2. Exploring the Deep Ocean: Zones and Adaptations

• Ocean Zones: The video explains the different zones of the ocean based on depth and light penetration:
  • Sunlight Zone: The topmost layer where sunlight reaches, supporting photosynthesis and diverse marine life (whales, sharks, turtles, dolphins).
  • Twilight Zone (200-1000m): Limited sunlight, with blue and violet being the only colors that penetrate. Home to unique creatures with adaptations like bioluminescence and camouflage.
  • Midnight Zone (1000-4000m): No sunlight. Creatures here often migrate between zones.
  • Abyssal Zone (4000-6000m): Vastly unexplored, home to unique creatures. The Titanic wreck lies within this zone (3,810 meters).
  • Hadal Zone (6000-11000m): The deepest part of the ocean, full of mysteries.
• Bioluminescence: Explained as a chemical reaction between Luciferin and Luciferase, emitting light instead of heat. Used by deep sea creatures for camouflage, attracting prey, and communication.
• Examples of Deep Sea Creatures and Their Adaptations:
  • Strawberry Squid: One eye larger than the other for seeing in different light conditions. Red coloration for camouflage in the twilight zone.
  • Bloody-Belly Comb Jelly: Fluorescent red coloration for camouflage, colorful lights flicker on its body.
  • Sea Angel: A small, blind creature that glows and uses quick tentacles to trap prey.
  • Barreleye Fish: Transparent head with rotating, upward-facing eyes.
  • Giant Squid: Largest eyes of any living being on Earth (25-30cm diameter) for hunting in the dark.
  • Anglerfish: Uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey. Male anglerfish merge with the female's body for reproduction.
  • Vampire Squid: Not a blood sucker; it eats poop.
  • Yeti Crab: Farms sulphide oxidising bacteria on its hairy arms for food near hydrothermal vents.
  • Dumbo Octopus: Ear-like fins for swimming, lives entirely in the deep sea.
  • Scaly-Foot Snail: Legs made of iron, lives near hydrothermal vents. Has the biggest heart compared to its body volume in the entire animal kingdom.

3. The Deep Scattering Layer and Diel Vertical Migration (DVM)

• Deep Scattering Layer: Discovered during World War II by sonar operators. A layer of high marine life density that reflects sound.
• Diel Vertical Migration (DVM): The largest migration on Earth, involving billions of creatures swimming to the surface at night to feed on phytoplankton and avoid predators, then returning to the depths before daybreak.
• Reason for DVM: "To eat without being eaten."

4. Climate Change and Its Impact on Deep Sea Creatures

• Ocean Warming: Oceans absorb 90% of the heat generated by global warming, leading to rising temperatures in surface waters.
• Oxygen Depletion: Warm surface water and cold deep water do not mix easily, leading to oxygen shortage in the deep sea.
• Migration to Surface: Deep sea creatures are migrating towards the surface in search of oxygen, making them vulnerable to predators.
• Predicted Temperature Increase: Scientists predict a 1° Celsius increase in the Abyssal zone by the end of the century, causing deep sea creatures to migrate 4 to 11 times faster than surface-dwelling creatures.
• Extinction Threat: Many undiscovered deep sea creatures face extinction due to climate change.
• Carbon Storage: The deep sea stores large quantities of carbon absorbed by phytoplankton, regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide. Climate change is reducing the oceans' carbon dioxide absorbing capacity.

5. Deep Sea Mining: A Pressing Threat

• Deep Sea Mining: Mining companies are seeking to extract gold and silver near hydrothermal vents, threatening the unique ecosystems and creatures like the Scaly-Foot Snail.
• Political Influence: The video criticizes politicians who promote deep sea mining to benefit their "crony capitalist friends," citing examples of Donald Trump and Narendra Modi.
• International Seabed Authority: The UN organization with the authority to grant permission for deep sea mining. There is immense pressure on this organization to grant permission to a few countries this year.
• Opposition to Deep Sea Mining: Many NGOs, activists, and 32 countries are opposing deep sea mining.
• Greenpeace Petition: A petition to "Stop Deep Sea Mining Before It Starts" has garnered over 3 million signatures.
• Deep Sea Conservation Coalition: An organization providing information about the dangers of deep sea mining.

6. Conclusion: Call to Action

• The video emphasizes the importance of protecting deep sea creatures and ecosystems from the threats of climate change and deep sea mining.
• It urges viewers to sign the Greenpeace petition and support organizations working to prevent deep sea mining.
• Quote: "The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed." - Mahatma Gandhi.
• The video concludes by highlighting the connection between the origin of life and the deep sea, encouraging viewers to watch another video on the topic.