SHOTLIST LIMA, PERU (MARCH 28, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL) 1. CLOSE-UP OF FABIOLA ZAVALAGA LOOKING INTO MICROSCOPE 2. CLOSE-UP OF FISH UNDER MICROSCOPE 3. FABIOLA ZAVALAGA INSPECTING FISH UNDER MICROSCOPE 4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FABIOLA ZAVALAGA SAYING: “Currently, Imarpe utilizes research platforms to assess and monitor deep-sea fisheries, such as the deep-sea cod and hake, which are species that inhabit the seabed off the coast of Peru. We take advantage of these research platforms to collect samples of deep-sea fish, through which we have discovered new records and even new species. Our collection is quite extensive, with over 20,000 lots—jars containing preserved specimens.” 5. CLOSE-UP OF RARE FISH AS FABIOLA ZAVALAGA OUT (OF SHOT) SAYS “These samples have been preserved since the 1960s.This is the species Melanocetus johnsonii, known as the "black seadevil," which inhabits the depths of the Peruvian sea. In its bulb, bioluminescent bacteria attach, helping it capture prey. This species lives at extreme depths, between 1,000 and 4,000 meters. This one here is a female.” 6. CLOSE-UF SEAHORSE IN JAR AS FABIOLA ZAVALAGA OUT (OF SHOT) SAYS “This other one is a seahorse. Off the coast of Peru, we have the species Hippocampus ingens, which can be found in very shallow environments while diving. This species is protected in our country due to its delicate conservation status.” 7. VARIOUS OF SCIENTIST AIDA HENOSTROZA WORKING IN LABORATORY, INSPECTING SAPMLES 8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) AIDA HENOSTROZA SAYING: “The Aquatic Ecotoxicology Laboratory is responsible for evaluating the coastal marine environment. We assess any contaminant substances that could affect aquatic organisms. Essentially, we analyze environmental matrices such as water and sediments. We conduct toxicity tests to determine whether the samples harm the organisms or not.” 9. VARIOUS OF VARIOUS OF SCIENTISTS AIDA HENOSTROZA AND GERALDINE INGA HUAMÁN WORKING IN LABORATORY 10. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) GERALDINE INGA HUAMÁN SAYING: “The live feed laboratory aims to produce microalgae intended as feed, either for filter-feeding organisms or when applying the "green water" technique in marine fish larvae cultivation.” 11. GERALDINE INGA HUAMÁN SHOWING GREEN WATER IN BOTTLES ON SHELVES AS SHE SAYS “As you can see, we have different colorations because these are different species. We cultivate Isochrysis, Nannochloropsis, and once we reach the desired quantity, we proceed to scale up the volume.” 12. LILI CARRERA CEHCKING WATER TANKS IN LABORATORY 13. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LILI CARRERA SANTOS SAYING: “These fish here were practically born in the laboratory. They already consume inert feed, which has allowed us to continue research and for them to reproduce in turn. The advantage of domestication is that we can work with formulated feed using these specimens and no longer depend on live feed, as they would consume in their natural environment.” 14. FISH SWIMMING IN WATER TANK LIMA, PERU - MARCH 28: Scientists at the Peruvian Marine Institute (IMARPE) are working to uncover the mysteries of the deep sea off Peru’s coast, where depths reach up to 7,000 meters and only 1% of the ecosystem has been explored. Despite limited funding and technology, researchers continue to discover new species and monitor the effects of climate change on marine life. On Friday, March 28, Fabiola Zavalaga, a scientist at IMARPE, told Anadolu that the institute uses research platforms to study deep-sea fisheries, including commercially important species like cod and hake. " We take advantage of these research platforms to collect samples of deep-sea fish, through which we have discovered new records and even new species," she said. IMARPE’s extensive collection includes over 20,000 preserved specimens, some dating back to the 1960s. Among the rare species showcased was the Melanocetus johnsonii, or "black seadevil," a deep-sea anglerfish found at depths of 1,000 to 4,000 meters. The female has a bioluminescent bulb containing bacteria that attract prey, Zavalaga explained. She also highlighted the Hippocampus ingens, a seahorse species protected in Peru due to its vulnerable conservation status. Aida Henostroza, another researcher at IMARPE, works in the Aquatic Ecotoxicology Laboratory, analyzing contaminants in water and sediments. " We conduct toxicity tests to determine whether the samples harm the organisms or not," she said. Meanwhile, Geraldine Inga Huamán manages the live feed laboratory, where microalgae like Isochrysis and Nannochloropsis are cultivated to support marine fish larvae. She explained that the microalgae in the laboratory serve as food for filter-feeding organisms and are used in “green water” techniques for aquaculture. Lili Carrera Santos, another scientist, showed fish bred in captivity at IMARPE. Showing water tanks in the laboratory Santos said the fish were born in the lab and eat formulated feed, reducing dependence on wild-caught live feed. She added that this domestication allows for sustainable research and breeding programs. Despite Peru’s rich marine biodiversity, exploration remains limited due to funding constraints and the high cost of deep-sea technology. However, IMARPE’s work is crucial for conservation and sustainable fisheries management. With much of the deep sea still uncharted, scientists hope further discoveries will shed light on Peru’s unique underwater ecosystems. Reporting by Eduardo Villanueva Writing by Sibel Uygun