In the deep sea, this dead sponge stalk serves as an elevating perch for colonial anemones as well as a squat lobster. During our dives, we see many instances of organisms utilizing dead stalks to extend higher into the water column and filter out more tasty treats from the passing currents. 

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day! OET is immensely proud of all of the educators and science communicators who have sailed on E/V Nautilus as Science Communication Fellows. We also want to say a big THANK YOU to all the teachers who have engaged in ship-to-shore interactions with us, used our educational materials in their classrooms, or followed along with our dives. 

📷: most of the 2026 SCF cohort at AltaSea during our annual training forum last month.