Antarctic sixgill shark filmed — potential range shift linked to abyssal warming [developing]
Key Questions
What shark species was filmed in Antarctic waters?
New ROV footage captured a sixgill or sleeper shark in Antarctic waters for the first time. This was achieved using OceanX drone and Grubbs 8K technology in 2026 amid ACC, AABW, sea-ice, and heat influences.
What does the footage suggest about shark distribution?
The sighting indicates a potential range shift for sleeper sharks, linked to abyssal warming, with expansions noted on the WA coast and hotspots in canyons. Similar sleepers were observed in SCS.
How does Greenland shark longevity relate to this discovery?
Greenland sharks' extreme longevity, like a 392-year-old individual, reinforces the resilience of deep-sea apex predators. This supports observations of sleeper shark expansion in warming deep waters.
What environmental changes are associated with the shark sighting?
The event coincides with OHC +24 ZJ surge, SOFLUX freshening, and CO2 increases. Microbial DNA studies and prey/contaminant needs are suggested for further research.
Why is this footage significant for deep-sea research?
It marks the first-ever filming of a shark in Antarctic waters, stunning experts and highlighting potential shifts due to climate-driven abyssal warming. Additional ROV, eDNA, prey, and contaminant studies are recommended.
New ROV footage of sleeper shark in Antarctic waters (first ever filmed); 2026 sixgill OceanX drone/Grubbs 8K amid ACC/AABW/sea-ice/heat; historical sea ice collapse (2015 storms) upmixed warm deeps; sleeper expansion (WA coast/SCS: 8 Pacific sleepers first filmed 1629m cow carcass swarm); canyons hotspots; microbial DNA; OHC +24 ZJ surge; SOFLUX freshening/CO2; Greenland shark longevity reinforces deep apex resilience. Needs ROV/eDNA/prey/contaminants.