Deeply Connected: Nurseries in the Deep

Recorded June 2, 2025

Presentation by Dr. Cherisse Du Preez

Kilometres beneath the waves, we’ve discovered deep-sea nursery grounds that rewrite what we thought was possible for life on Earth. In the darkness, extraordinary mothers—octopuses and skates—care for their young in secret, thriving in extreme conditions.

The ocean holds over 90% of the planet’s livable space, and these hidden habitats reveal just how interconnected everything is—from mysterious, undiscovered species to people, through the life-sustaining services the ocean provides and the impacts we have in return. This is not just discovery—it’s a call to protect. In partnership with Coastal First Nations, we’re working to safeguard these extraordinary places.

About Dr. Cherisse Du Preez

Dr. Cherisse Du Preez is a marine biologist and deep-sea explorer focused on understanding and protecting life in the world’s largest habitat—the deep ocean. Using submersibles and high-resolution imagery, she studies remote ecosystems and captures never-before-seen animals and behaviors. A gifted storyteller, she shares stunning visuals of the deep to reveal its hidden wonders and inspire conservation. Her work connects science, policy, and the public to protect these vital, rarely seen parts of our planet through both cutting-edge research and powerful storytelling that brings the mysteries of the deep to the surface.

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