The GOMBESSA 6 expedition has anchored on the coralligenous rings of Cape Corsica, promising new discoveries! These intriguing circular structures, scattered over 8000 hectares at depths of more than 100 meters, arouse the curiosity of scientists. The initial results are encouraging, but Laurent Ballesta’s team is already planning a new mission to unlock their last secrets.
Humans, an irreplaceable asset
“Everything a man is capable of doing with more dexterity than a machine, we have done, with precision,” says Laurent Ballesta, “proof once again that the diver is indispensable when precision is required.” Beyond the science, Ballesta is thrilled by the unprecedented images captured, revealing unknown landscapes and species.
Gombessa 6: A Harvest of Data
Despite the ongoing analysis work, Gombessa 6 is already a success. Discovered in 2011 by IFREMER, the University of Corte, and Comex via the Remora 2000 submarine, these rings remained enigmatic. This summer, about forty researchers collaborated on around fifteen protocols: mapping, coring, studying currents, environmental DNA, all complementary approaches to study the area.
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