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Falkor (too) has high maneuverability and excellent station-keeping capabilities. The vessel gives SOI greater coverage of the globe.
Argentina Authorizes U.S. Research Vessel Falkor (Too) to Conduct Scientific Work in National Waters
ARGENTINA
Monday, July 07, 2025, 00:00 (GMT + 9)
The Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) has announced that it has no objections to granting authorization requested by the United States Embassy for the research vessel Falkor (Too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, to carry out a scientific expedition in Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The formal request was processed through Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and covers two campaign periods: July 13–19 and July 22 to August 10, 2025, in the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, within Argentine jurisdiction.
Phoro: Schmidt Ocean Institute
Exploring a Powerful Oceanic Convergence Zone
The expedition will focus on one of the country’s most biologically rich deep-sea regions, where two powerful ocean currents converge — one warm and salty, the other cold and nutrient-rich — forming the Brazil–Malvinas Confluence. This confluence is one of the most dynamic oceanographic zones globally, redistributing tropical heat toward the poles and playing a crucial role in Earth’s climate.
These currents also support unique submarine canyon ecosystems that have not yet been fully explored. The mission aims to investigate the diversity and distribution of seafloor communities in this underexplored canyon — a major geological feature of the Argentine continental margin.
Phoro: Schmidt Ocean Institute
Cutting-Edge Research with Global Implications
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Falkor (Too) will deploy the ROV SuBastian, a remotely operated vehicle capable of deep-sea imaging, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and specimen collection, to study coral forests, sponge fields, and associated marine fauna.
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Between 2012 and 2013, Argentine researchers conducted the first studies in this area using fishing nets and trawls. Despite using low-tech equipment, they discovered new species and published over 60 scientific papers, laying the groundwork for marine biology research in Argentina.
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This new expedition, led by Dr. Daniel Lauretta of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, represents the first in situ observation of these ecosystems using advanced robotic technology, and will provide key data for future conservation and sustainable management efforts.
Phoro: Schmidt Ocean Institute
Scientific Diplomacy and Legal Safeguards
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The CFP’s decision is based on the Federal Fisheries Law No. 24.922 (Articles 9 and 23), while Argentina’s Directorate of Natural Resources highlighted the mission’s environmental value and confirmed compliance with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol and CITES.
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The Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) confirmed that an Argentine scientist will join the mission, ensuring local participation and knowledge transfer.
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It was also established that all scientific results must be delivered to Argentina prior to publication.
Phoro: Schmidt Ocean Institute
A Strategic Step in Ocean Science
This expedition will deepen the understanding of cold-water coral reefs and sponge gardens that serve as key habitats for deep-sea species. Through eDNA sampling and sediment collection, the scientists also aim to assess climate-related variables, such as carbon cycling and pollution levels.
By bringing together Argentine scientific expertise and U.S. oceanographic capabilities, this mission showcases the benefits of international cooperation, transparent research, and Argentina’s commitment to sustainable marine stewardship.
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