NationStates Jolt Archive

This morning marked a remarkable discovery in the Glacial Archipelago region. At 0715 local time, the fishing vessel Miranda reported of her catch to the Boreal Institute of Natural Science: dozens of fish and crustaceans that didn't belong to any known species. A ship was immediately dispatched to conduct a further survey. As the first samples were collected at noon, a team of scientists wired reports of dozens of first sightings.
The unusual catch was due to the government's expansion of fishing areas to poorly charted waters near the Boreal Trench, where sea mounts rise from the seabed thousands of metres deep. It is estimated that the site of the discovery has been isolated from the surrounding ocean for 50 million years.
Among the newly discovered species is the Sea Angel, a strange shark with wing-like fins, and the "Dragon", which is probably a large relative of the sea urchin.

Foreign exploration vessels have been granted permission to gather samples in the area, as the Institute cannot afford the operation alone.

It has not yet been decided whether fishing activity should be ceased around the Trench. The Commonwealth is listed as a developing nation and its economy could use the income from the large catches of krill and herring.

Tilba will be sending a scientific research vessel to examine this find of great intrest to the global ecosystem. We shall happily give the Boreal Islands a reasonable fee for exploration in their waters and to assist in their own research which unearthed this boon.
Along with the research marine biologists we are sending aqua culture specialists to assist the Boreal Islands with sustainable fishing in the area.

Be warned however our research vessel will have an armed frigate as escort but this is merely as our military has the best experience in the deep sea arctic envionment. It is in no way a threat.

Research, the environment and a healthy economy are not opposed and we wish to assist any nation to keep these aspects balanced.

The Kingdom of Wyrmberg asks permission to send a research vessel to the area. The vessel would carry a party of marine biologists and geologists, co-lead by the celebrated Dr Rath Blümheim (Wyrmberg's leading expert in deep-sea ecosystems, specialising in those around hydrothermic vents) and Professor Andrea Steinholm (Chair of the Department of Geology at the University of Wyrmberg).

We would also like to request permission to take some samples of the marine life for our zoos and research institutions - provided, of course, that this would not damage the ecosystem. We would, of course, have to investigate thelocal ecosystem quite extensively before deciding whether taking samples would be detrimental to it, so we would not be taking them for several months, if at all.

We are, of course, willing to pay for the samples if the region is within Boreal Islands' borders.

The Federation of Glorious Humanity is interested in sending a research vessel and a team of marine biologists to gather samples and study this phenonmenon. A large batch of new species all appearing in the same area is very exciting to the scientific community, and we would love to help in uncovering further finds. The team will be headed by Dr. Ruth Hornberg and Dr. John Soga, both of the Federation Institute for Marine Study.

Kenneth Holton
Minister of Science and Discovery
Federation of Glorious Humanity

The governmental Science Institute for Marine Life requests three live specimens of the "Sea Angel" and five of the "Dragon"; the Institute is prepared to offer a considerable sum in return, as well as help fund future excursions into the area.

The Trench area is now off limits to commercial fishing, which is likely to cause some strikes in the larger fisheries.

The Endangered Marine Species Act prohibits the sale of specimens, but foreign expeditions can "help themselves" to the animals. The Commonwealth's strict environmental legislations make it impossible to collect any fees from the find. It must be noted that the fish cannot be captured alive, because the pressure changes kill them as they are hauled in. Echinoderms are more resilient.

The only way to study most of the animals in action would be to use submarines or diving robots. Unfortunately, the Institute hasn't got any at the moment.

The Commission of Marine Defence is yet to formulate a decision on allowing military vessels in the territorial waters. For the moment, ships of Frigate size class or smaller may enter with special permission, which has been granted to the Tilban navy.
Commissioner Ivaarsen would like to remind that the Glacial Archipelago is a nuclear-free zone. This means that nuclear-powered ships may not enter.

Research, the environment and a healthy economy are not opposed and we wish to assist any nation to keep these aspects balanced.

The majority of us agree.

Tilba has 3 2 man deep sea submersibles and one 10 man sub in its expedition and we invite requests from other parties to send scientists down. Especially the Boreal Marine institute who certainly deserve a closer look.

Note however at present we are not taking any samples, merely observing with minute voltage light sources and passive sonar until we understand the ecosystem better.
During all dives we have one 2 man sub with military crew as well as hardsuit divers on alert in case of emergency.

Of note our communication officers have found low frequency signals that we have yet to fully explain usually around some of the 'Dragon' subspecies.
Some of our researchers contend the Dragon is related to octopii and others that the various creatures of similar appearance are in fact parallel developments of completely different species.
Needless to say all the novelty is generating a lot of excitment.

Colonel Laura Sorenson, Chief of Tilbas Expedition to the Boreal Trench.

Extraordinary. You Earthlings have all the fun.

Message To: The Boreal Islands
Message Fr: The Dominion of Tsaraine
Message Re: Deep-water Research

The Dominion possesses a fleet of submersible vessels eminently capable of carrying out collection procedures, and we would like to send an expedition to collect samples of these deep-water organisms; such organisms often have novel adaptions to the harsh environment of the depths which could be of use in the Dominion's genetic research projects.

These submersibles, however, are powered by nuclear fusion. I assure the good Comissioner that the Treznorian-model fusion reactors are perfectly safe, and have never once suffered a major malfunction in the field.

~ Sural tsaChanya
Division Six Commandant

I would not recommend collection of the newly discovered life forms and frankly would strongly oppose it given even the possibility of intelligence of these creatures. The signals we have found are more than enough to demand especial levels of caution and protection.
This goes doubly so for agents of the Tsaraine who have a less than steller reputation for environmental awareness.

- Dr Joe Patama. Zoopsychologist, Tilba Boreal Trench expedition


While Dr Patama has a point and is allowed his free speech he was not speaking the offical position of Tilba. We will of course be happy to deal with the Tsaraine in providing samples once and if we and other researchers in the area deem it safe for all involved including the natives of the trench.
Since Boreal has requested no nuclear devices we also ask for this to be respected and extend our offer of passage on our subs to the Tsaraine.
Tsaraine research is well respected and is certain to add to the growing body of knowledge of this extraordinary ecosystem.

Colonel Laura Sorenson,
Chief of Tilbas Expedition to the Boreal Trench.

The nuclear ban applies to fission-based reactors only - fusion devices are prohibited only if they are weapons (h-bombs).
In fact, Dominion ships are welcomed because of the Commonwealth's limited refuelling capability. The less diesel we have to ship, the better.

Increasingly challenging weather conditions limit surface activity at the moment. Smaller ships were recalled to port with the samples and patrolling duties are temporarily transferred to the mine-layer Kerensky.

As soon as the storm peters out, the fleet will be back in business.

At the moment, there are 25 intact specimens stored. The creatures are as wondrous as they are hideous. Most of them are not very large. The most impressive specimen is the first Dragon, which is roughy man-sized. We speculate that the strangest lifeforms may be found near "black smokers", thermal vents on the sea-floor.

Message To: Boreal Islands
Message Fr: The Dominion of Tsaraine
Message Re: Re: Deep-water research

I can assure you that research-outfitted supramines (OOC: Yes, that is the spelling. They're ...somewhat different... to normal submarines) do not carry fusion warheads.

Happily, Tsarainese vessels are designed for service in the Sea of Storms, which as the name suggests is very often rough.

A vessel shall be outfitted at Pearl (the Tsarainese naval base) and dispatched to the Boreal Trench immediately.

~ Sural tsaChanya
Division Six Commandant

It must be noted that the fish cannot be captured alive, because the pressure changes kill them as they are hauled in. Echinoderms are more resilient.

The Wyrmbergii research team - already assembled and awaiting the preperation of the newly-commisioned science vessel Eternal Curiosity (a recently-refurbished ex-salvage-vessel) - would like to point out that many examples of deep-sea organisms have been retrieved by unmanned submersibles. They are usually captured using a vacuum tube, and sucked into a pressurised tank within the submersible which can be removed - pressurisation intact - from the submersible when it surfaces.

These creatures seldom survive for long in captivity, as those who capture them usually only take samples of the most interresting species. These are almost always near the top of the local food chain, and so they starve to death quite quickly due to a lack of their natural prey.

For this reason, if it is decided that taking samples of the marine life will not be detrimental (a decision which will only be made after extensive research), the science team propose to use the exact opposite method. They will start their sampling right at the bottom of the food chain, beginning with detritivores (it should be relatively easy to simulate the mixture of detritus to be found on the sea bed) and - if the area is geologically active, any creatures that dwell near the hydrothermic vents (Professor Steinholm believes that, with sufficient research, the conditions near the vents can be replicated in a large, specially-constructed pressurised aquarium). Once a breeding programme of these creatures has been sucessfuly begun, samples of the creatures that prey on them can be collected, then those that prey on them, and so on till - eventually - examples of the all the creatures in the ecosystem will exist in captivity.

If all goes well, only a very few samples of each species will need to be taken - just enough to start a breeding program.

At the moment, there are 25 intact specimens stored. The creatures are as wondrous as they are hideous. Most of them are not very large. The most impressive specimen is the first Dragon, which is roughy man-sized. We speculate that the strangest lifeforms may be found near "black smokers", thermal vents on the sea-floor.

OOC: Alive or dead?

IC: Dr Blümheim requests permission to view these specimens when the team arrives (hopefully within 2 days).

The Glorious Humanity ship the Ocean Seeker is on site and currently riding out the storm at anchor. We are loathe to return to port, as Dr. Soga and myself are both very eager to begin studying this unique ecosystem as soon as possible.

The Glorious Humanity team would be happy to work together with the other expeditions to explore the area together once the storm subsides. We have two two-man crewed submersibles, and a remote controlled robot sub that can investigate any spots deemed dangerous for humans to approach.

Ruth Hornberg
Co-Director of the Glorious Humanity research expedition

OOC: Alive or dead?

OOC: All dead.

Dr. Blümheim is welcome to see them. They are being prepared for autopsy at the Biology Department of Boreal City U. It is not often that we get distinguished academics visiting up here.

Since it is impossible for us to send a team on site, could another team assist us? If there are appropriate facilities, we would appreciate a streamed holo-feed of the samples. Also, if the robots are deployed, can you stream video here?

Any assistance is much appreciated.

--Titus van Echer, Ph.D., L4 genetics lab

Since it is impossible for us to send a team on site, could another team assist us? If there are appropriate facilities, we would appreciate a streamed holo-feed of the samples. Also, if the robots are deployed, can you stream video here?

Any assistance is much appreciated.

--Titus van Echer, Ph.D., L4 genetics lab

we are sending a team with a Diving Robot and 2 1-man submarines, we have our robot wired for 3 chanel streaming video, allowing for a science TV show back at Aries to broadcast the footage, as well as sending it to our research vessel and your facilities.

bump

On behalf of my team, I wish to thank the Esryian expedition for this opportunity.

--Titus van Echer, Ph.D., L4 genetics lab

Message To: Boreal City University, Other Research Ships in Area
Message Fr: Tsarainese Supramine C-023
Message Re: Greetings!

Greetings to our fellow research vessels and the learned researchers of Boreal City University.

I am Researcher Commandant Ykaht keiHyazin, currently aboard the vessel C-023, from the Genetic Research Corps in Nova Reio, Tsaraine.

Captain Commandant tsaBarak assures me that we are ready to dive and begin sample collection immediately pending authorisation from Boreal City University.

~ Ykaht keiHyazin
Researcher Commandant

To: Captain Commandant tsaBarak of the C-023

You have our go-ahead to proceed with the operation. Good luck, Captain.

--Aslak Geatgejávri, Commander, Regional Marine Defence

Message To: Aslak Geatgejávri, Commander, Regional Marine Defence
Message Fr: Gimil tsaBarak, Captain Commandant, C-023
Message Re: Diving procedures

Thankyou. We are now beginning diving procedures; Fate be merciful, and we shall be successful in our task.

~ Gimil tsaBarak
Captain Commandant

For all visitors to Boreal City:

It is advised that visits are postponed for one day because of the massive demonstrations in and around the capital. The government implemented a national ID and tracking system as a final measure against organised crime and corruption. The citizens, accustomed to a great amount of privacy, protest this move with a general strike.

As a setback relevant to the scientific survey mission, Commander Geatgejávri has resigned from his post, taking most of the senior staff with him as a show of protest. A temporary officer is being nominated.

Commissioner Ivaarsen expresses his apologies for the inconvenience to our foreign guests.

To: Captain Commandant tsaBarak of the C-023
From: Ocean Seeker
RE: Diving

We are also preparing to launch our submersibles, as the storm is finally abating enough to make launches safe. We would like to coordinate with your divers so that more ground can be covered more efficiently. Would you please indicate what areas you intend to examine first, and we shall examine other parts, then both our teams can compile our findings.

Ruth Hornberg
Co-Director of the Glorious Humanity research expedition

*************************************************************

To: Commissioner Ivaarsen
From: Ocean Seeker
RE: Specimens

Dr. Soga has expressed an interest in joining the team examining the samples you have already acquired. Please inform us when things are stable enough for him and a team of assistants to transfer to Boreal City. I shall remain on site with the Ocean Seeker.

Ruth Hornberg
Co-Director of the Glorious Humanity research expedition

To: Ruth Hornberg
From: Commissioner's Bureau
RE: Welcome

The demonstrations are scheduled to end in an hour, but the general strike will last for another day. A small airfield can be prepared if you are in a hurry (provided that you'll arrive by helicopter).
The rallies were non-violent and no significant property damages have been reported. Boreal City is safe, but at a standstill because of the strike.

The University opens its doors again tomorrow morning. All the specimens were stored in a cooled, protective atmosphere and should be in prime condition.

Dr. Soga may be received in 12 hours. We ask for his patience, and recommend dressing for heavy weather. The winter storm is over, but a wind chill factor drops the felt temperature to minus 25 centigrade.

Regardless, we wish to welcome Dr. Soga and his team. The citizens here take to the streets quite easily, but we only see this dissent as democracy in action.

--Commissioner Ivaarsen

Disappointing news

When the University lab was opened this morning, some of the Boreal Trench specimens were missing. Someone had broken into the containment room when the staff were on strike. It was clearly a highly professional operation, as the intruders managed to override all automated security systems. All sponges are missing, as well as the only Dragon. Police are now on site looking for clues.

The laboratory is open again, but the investigation may slow operations slightly.

--Markus Östermark, Professor, Boreal City U.

We are launching our diving robot, so we will finally be able to send out the tv footage.

We're all very excited.

--Titus van Echer, Ph.D., L4 genetics lab

Message To: Ocean Seeker
Message Fr: C-023
Message Re: Re: Diving

We are planning to descend at the northern end of the Boreal Trench, stopping to sample specimens as we go. Due to the recent loss of the Boreal City University specimens, we are eager to collect a live "dragon" for study.

~ Gimil tsaBarak
Captain Commandant

We are launching our diving robot, so we will finally be able to send out the tv footage.

the tv camera activates.

Dr. Martin Zier: perfect. get the video link up working!

After the strike ends, national TV news are back on the air. After the first reports, there is a long overview of the yearly budget session.
With a 65% vote majority, most of the recent surplus will be invested in improving higher education.

Five minutes after the broadcast, the enthusiastic Professor Östermark emails his colleagues at sea.

Finally, some good news for a change.

Moments ago, the government announced a dramatic increase in our funding. This is partly due to the foreign interest in the recent discovery in our waters. With the new budget, we can afford state-of-the-art equipment in our Marine Biology department. We're also planning a more ambitious project, which will require the cooperation of some private parties. More on that in the future.

Truly, cooperation yields an abundant harvest.

The Feline Science Ministry requests a summary of events so far, and is sending the science vessel S.S. Darwin to the area.

All of the progress is reported in peer-reviewed magazines and scientific journals. This type of knowledge belongs to all of mankind.

The storms have completely abated, but iceberg season will start soon.
The Darwin is welcome.

Message To: Boreal City University
Message Fr: C-023
Message Re: Resurfacing

We wish to report a successful collection dive. The C-023 has collected several dozen live specimens, including several specimens of what would appear to be some form of cubozoan (OOC: Box Jelly), which are normally found in shallow tropical coastal waters, and one specimen of the species known as "dragons"; however, this individual appears to have been of poor health before our capture.

All specimens are currently in specially constructed pressurised environment tanks, and the C-023 is heading to Boreal City at top speed.

~ Ykaht keiHyazin
Researcher Commandant

Disappointing news

When the University lab was opened this morning, some of the Boreal Trench specimens were missing. Someone had broken into the containment room when the staff were on strike. It was clearly a highly professional operation, as the intruders managed to override all automated security systems. All sponges are missing, as well as the only Dragon. Police are now on site looking for clues.

The laboratory is open again, but the investigation may slow operations slightly.

--Markus Östermark, Professor, Boreal City U.

We are much saddened by this news, and hope that this does not adversely affect the research too greatly.
On a lighter note, we hope to arrive in your waters within 24 hours, and to be able to commence our own dives within 48. While we will not be actively taking samples of live organisms as yet, we are looking forward greatly to the opportunity to witness these strange creatures first-hand.

Well, as close to first hand as you can get with a remote-controlled robot submersible, anyway...

--Rath Blümheim

Message To: Boreal City University
Message Fr: C-023
Message Re: Resurfacing

We wish to report a successful collection dive. The C-023 has collected several dozen live specimens, including several specimens of what would appear to be some form of cubozoan (OOC: Box Jelly), which are normally found in shallow tropical coastal waters, and one specimen of the species known as "dragons"; however, this individual appears to have been of poor health before our capture.

All specimens are currently in specially constructed pressurised environment tanks, and the C-023 is heading to Boreal City at top speed.

~ Ykaht keiHyazin
Researcher Commandant


OOC:
Can we assume that this has been announced to all parties involved?

If so, Dr Blümheim naturally is very pleased that research can begin into the nature and habits of the live creatures in a controlled laboratory environment, while expressing a little concern that live samples are being taken so soon, before research has been undertaken into whether doing so will harm the ecosystem.

If not, than naturally we don't know anything about it :wink:

OOC: Yeah, other people can know too. About the environmental stuff; Tsaraine is under a radioactive wasteland, their ecosystem consists of irradiated bacteria and not much else. So they don't exactly have the greatest respect for non-controlled ecosystems. :)

OOC: That could be interresting - Wyrmberg's government, and it's population, are strongly ecologically-minded conservationists. Put simply, they're as "green" as grass 8)

i wish to sponsor all research activities into this new secies, as both me and my people have great concern for all wild life of our neighbours and allies

With the new science budget, we can manage without monetary aid. If Petsburg wishes to send experts, the labs could use their skills.
Of course, all findings are public domain.