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A livestream of deep sea creatures transfixes Argentina, sparks calls for refunding science

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A livestream of deep-sea exploration off Argentina’s coast has captivated millions of viewers across the country, showcasing rarely seen marine life 4,000 meters below the surface
Led by Argentine researchers from Conicet and supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the project has unexpectedly gone viral — drawing widespread public fascination and sparking renewed debate over cuts to national science funding under President Javier Milei

🔭 The context: Argentina’s leading science agency, Conicet, has faced sharp budget reductions under Milei’s fiscal austerity agenda, with a 21% cut in 2024 alone and significant wage erosion for researchers
Over 4,000 positions have been lost due to layoffs and resignations
As the livestream garners daily viewership in the millions, it has become a cultural flashpoint, with researchers planning a nationwide strike to protest declining government support for scientific work

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The expedition explores the rich biodiversity of the Mar del Plata submarine canyon — an ecologically vital area where cold and warm ocean currents converge
Such research deepens understanding of fragile deep-sea ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and extractive activities
The public’s engagement underscores science’s role not only in discovery but in building national pride and informing sustainable policy

⏭️ What's next: The livestream continues through August 10, with public interest surging just as researchers prepare for a 48-hour nationwide strike
Calls to restore science funding are mounting amid concerns of a potential brain drain and weakened environmental oversight
The Milei administration remains focused on energy extraction, with officials touting offshore oil operations as a more viable path to economic growth

💬 One quote: “I think it represents a bit of the pride that something like this is being done in our country.” – Georgina Valanci, livestream viewer

📈 One stat: Conicet’s real budget fell by 21% in 2024, while researchers’ salaries have dropped 35% in value, contributing to a loss of over 4,000 positions in Argentina’s science sector

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