Part 3/9:
The deep-sea floor is one of Earth's last unexplored frontiers. Beyond 1,000 meters, sunlight disappears, cutting off photosynthesis and leading to an ecosystem where marine creatures survive on organic debris that drifts down from shallower waters. The conditions are harsh—food is scarce, and the fauna has evolved uniquely, including species like the semi-translucent dumbo octopus, gulper eel, and viperfish. Despite advancements in remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) and manned missions, our understanding of this vast underwater realm remains limited, raising concerns about the ecological impacts of mining operations.