The first deep-sea SponGES cruise has just started onboard the Norwegian research vessel G.O. Sars, departing from Tromsø. The cruise aims at filling in the gaps and deepening our understanding regarding the diversity, distribution, function as well as the goods and services provided by deep-sea sponge grounds using state-of-the-art survey, in-situ and in-lab technologies. By the use of the new ROV Ægir and the AUV Hugin, the various SponGES teams aboard G.O. Sars will study these unique ecosystems on seamounts along the Arctic mid-ocean Ridge, covering a depth range of almost 3000 meters. Follow updates from the deep open ocean on our Facebook page!