Exploring WA's Deep Sea: 'Behind the screens' of deep sea video filming
Dates
Sunday 8 June | 3pm - 4pm
Free event | Bookings required
Site access information
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Join us on World Oceans Day for an in-depth discussion and screening of incredible footage from the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre, showcasing the abyssal world of Western Australian waters.
Hear from project lead Dr Todd Bond to learn more about the deep-sea animals filmed during their ambitious two-year project aimed at uncovering the mysteries of Australia’s deep marine parks. A multi-disciplinary team of scientists deployed long-term observatories and baited landers across iconic marine parks—Gascoyne, Perth Canyon, and South-West Corner—to document the unseen, study unique fauna, and map seascapes in high resolution.
Discover what lies at depths of over 5,000 meters, and learn about the rare and unique animals and their behaviours as you are immersed in high-definition video footage. Todd will provide a detailed breakdown of the screening content and offer context on how the Centre's pioneering research brings this largely unknown environment into the light, showcasing Australia’s commitment to deep-sea research and conservation.
This research project has been led by Dr Todd Bond, Deputy Director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, and supported by the Centre’s staff, along with others at the Western Australian Museum and Minderoo Foundation.
About the presenter
Dr Todd Bond is a marine ecologist with over 10 years of experience in academic research and teaching that has centred on fish and shark ecology. His current research focuses on hadal and abyssal ecology where he utilises his extensive experience with underwater video technology and sampling methods. This research seeks to understand the distribution of deep-sea organisms across large spatial scales – within and between trenches, fracture zones, and abyssal plains, and amongst oceans.
Much of Todd’s research occurs in Australia’s network of marine parks where he has developed long-term monitoring programs. He continues to be an advocate for the protection and recognition of Australia’s deep sea.
Todd’s research also extends to shallower environments where he works in photic and mesophotic fish ecology and fisheries. He is considered a global expert in the ecology of fishes surrounding artificial structures, including oil and gas installations, and his work informs sensible approaches to decommissioning structures that have reached end-of-life.
Todd is a WA Science Ambassador and an avid science communicator whose knowledge of marine systems and stewardship for the oceans has led him all over the world from Fiji to Japan, Antarctica to Hawaii, the US to the UK, and many places in between. His research is awarded at international conferences and saw him receive a Premier’s Science Award in 2020.
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Discover the scientific findings of a two year-long project that explores the deepest parts of the Australian Marine Parks.
