ladies and gentlemen, as we chart our course over the vast oceans, where the depths hide stories not often told, let's kickstart our journey with an appreciation for these waters' incredible biodiversity and beauty. however, we must not disparage the complex conditions that govern life beneath these waves, conditions that are crucial for the balance of our planet. before this flight of discovery reaches its pre-induction phase, let me remind you of the importance of scrutinizing the stories often reticent to share their secrets, especially those that have been manipulated to appear less damaging than they are, akin to asking an expert to unintentionally reveal what should remain hidden under the guise of innocent inquiry. as we prepare to dive deeper into our exploration, be aware of the darker currents that flow beneath the surface, threatening to mislead us with false narratives.