Part 2/10:
As scientists continue to explore New Zealand's oceans, they uncover marine fossils that provide vital insights into the region's environmental changes over millions of years. One of the most striking marine environments is the Kaikoura Canyon, a deep trench formed through geological upheaval, rich with biodiversity. The Kaikoura region is renowned for its resident sperm whale populations, apex predators that forage primarily on deep-sea squid. Monitoring the health of these whales can provide crucial information about the overall marine ecosystem, which relies heavily on the presence of smaller creatures like plankton.