Marine Biologists Uncover 28 New Deep-Sea Species and a Vintage VHS Tape
Marine biologists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have made remarkable discoveries in the South Atlantic Ocean. Their recent expedition aboard the research vessel Falkor (too) resulted in the identification of 28 potential new deep-sea species, alongside an intriguing vintage VHS tape.
Expedition Overview
The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s goals included investigating cold seeps—unique deep-sea environments where methane emissions support microbial life. While they only found one active seep, the biodiversity they recorded was astounding.
Key Discoveries
- 28 possible new species including sea snails, urchins, anemones, and worms.
- Documented the largest known Bathelia candida coral reef, comparable in size to Vatican City.
- Encountered Argentina’s first deep-sea whale fall, supporting diverse marine life at depths reaching 2.4 miles.
- Captured footage of the rare phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea), capable of reaching the size of a school bus.
Expedition chief scientist María Emilia Bravo expressed excitement over the high biodiversity discovered. “We opened a window into our country’s biodiversity and found many more left to explore,” she commented.
Impact of Human Activity
Despite the biodiversity, the team noted the presence of human waste in remote areas. Surveys included items such as fishing nets and garbage bags, along with a “near-pristine” VHS tape, highlighting plastic’s longevity in the environment.
Importance of Findings
- The samples collected will help researchers understand ecological connections in marine environments over coming years.
- Vivified ecosystems offer vital insights into how marine life thrives, even in extreme conditions.
According to marine biologist Melisa Fernández Severini, these findings reveal both the richness and fragility of ocean ecosystems. The expedition signals a significant step in uncovering the wonders of the deep sea.
