ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this compelling episode of Surfacing Secrets, Balad’EAU takes you deep beneath the Pacific Ocean to one of the most active and closely observed places on Earth: the Endeavour hydrothermal vent field, operated and monitored by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC).
Host Lyne Morissette guides us into the dark, dynamic world of the deep seafloor, where tectonic plates pull apart, superheated fluids rise from the Earth’s crust, and entire ecosystems thrive without sunlight. This episode explores why Endeavour is one of the rare places where scientists don’t just visit the deep ocean — they stay and watch.
Join us as we dive into how long-term, real-time observation has transformed our understanding of geology, chemistry, and life in the deep sea. Through this journey, we uncover why protecting and continuously monitoring a site like Endeavour is essential for understanding how our planet works, far beyond what short expeditions can reveal. You’ll hear exclusive insights from:
- Laurence Coogan, Professor and Geochemist, University of Victoria
- Steve Mihaly, Senior Staff Scientist, Ocean Networks Canada
We’ll hear firsthand accounts of what it’s like to explore a hydrothermal vent field two kilometres below the surface, how remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) navigate a complex three-dimensional world with limited visibility, and why mapping and working in these environments remains one of the greatest challenges in ocean science. Our guests share their experiences studying a system where geology, chemistry, and biology are constantly changing — and why collaboration across disciplines is essential.
Learn about:
- The role of hydrothermal vents in shaping ocean chemistry far beyond the seafloor.
- How life can thrive without sunlight through chemosynthesis.
- Why long-term, cabled observatories have revolutionized deep-sea science.
- How continuous monitoring reveals processes that snapshots can never capture.
Through vivid stories, striking examples, and reflections on exploration, Eyes on Endeavour offers a deep dive into one of the planet’s most dynamic systems — and into the power of staying long enough to truly understand the ocean.
🎧 Subscribe now and join us on this journey to explore the ocean and understand our planet.
Episode produced by: Balad’EAU
Special thanks to: Ocean Networks Canada, Andrew Lewin of How to Protect the Ocean, and Tommy Goupil for editing and production.
🔔 Follow us for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories:
Website: Ocean Networks Canada
Twitter: @OceanNetworks
Instagram: @oceannetworkscanada
Facebook: Ocean Networks Canada
📅 Launch date: December 17th, 2025
🌐 More info: oceannetworks.ca
