What Do You Know About the Deep-Sea Barbie Pig?

The deep-sea documentary, How Deep Is Your Love, sheds light on the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone in the Pacific Ocean. This remote location, over a 12-day voyage from any landmass, is an oceanographer's paradise, home to countless unknown life forms. Despite the challenging task of identifying and naming underwater creatures, which can take years, the filmmakers and scientists involved have come up with catchy nicknames for many of these oddball species.

For instance, the bright pink sea cucumber with stubby "legs" and spiky protuberances is called Barbie Pig. Other creatures include the Ping Pong Sponge, which resembles a ping-pong ball on a stick, the Headless Chicken Monster, a translucent sack filled with vibrant, coiled innards, and the Ghost Octopus, Caspar. Some of these species have been identified before, but still bear funny names, like the Gummy Squirrel and The King.

The documentary raises serious questions about the environmental impact of industrial mining on the seabed, which lies about 3 miles below the waves. It also highlights the difficulties faced by scientists studying these creatures, as they must be captured, killed, and brought to the surface for proper study and identification. The filmmakers hope to inspire viewers to connect with and appreciate the deep sea, which makes up a significant portion of our planet.