Biology and Ecology of Mola mola in the Northwest Atlantic

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DISCOVERY Vessel Flicka
Cape Cod Bay, MA
September 15-18, 2024

Project Overview

This expedition was led by Beneath The Waves, a non-profit research organization that studies megafauna amongst other important ocean features to help advance our understanding of valuable marine habitats and organisms. This project aimed to help scientists learn about the poorly-characterized Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) which anecdotally aggregates in large numbers at this time of year. While little is known about these animals, they have been observed laying at the ocean’s surface sideways apparently “sunning” themselves, and are known to eat invertebrates like jellyfish. These features continue to drive curiosity about their habits. Throughout this project, scientists collected several samples and measurements, all of which will provide the groundwork for understanding the Mola’s approach to survival. In addition, tagged individuals will continue to provide important data on this species’ habitat use and annual travels. Through partnership with the International SeaKeepers Society, Beneath the Waves was able to access these waters aboard Discovery Vessel Flicka.

Application

Discovering more about the Mola mola will allow us to further understand this ancient fish and how its adaptations have survived over evolutionary time. These ancient adaptations provide insight into historic life strategies and the pathways of fish evolution which enabled such a gentle giant to persist despite environmental change.

Expedition Summary

On this project, researchers were able to process four fish overall, three of which were from DY Flicka. Over three days of perfectly flat seas, scientists utilized drones, spotters aboard the vessel, spotter planes, and local knowledge to accomplish this important work.

Location

Cape Cod Bay, MA

Duration of Project

3 days

Leadership

  • Austin Gallagher

Research Team

  • Shannon Aldridge
  • Olivia Dixon
  • Drew McDougall
  • Nate Severdija
  • Captain Pam

Partner Sites

Photo Gallery

Photo credit Drew McDougall

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