Researchers Discover Over 5000 New Marine Species

Photo from Schmidt Ocean Institute

5,578 new marine species have been discovered by an English Expedition in the Pacific Ocean. Picked up by remote-controlled robots, the species were collected and stored in boxes by the Royal Research Ship, James Cook. “In every single box core sample, we would see new species,” stated Ms Rabone, who was in charge of coordinating the data.

92% of them are classified as completely new scientific discoveries. Based on 100,000 records, it is shown that only six of these species exist in other areas of the globe. This proves that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a diverse ecosystem for extraordinary ocean life to flourish.

The species include worms, sea cucumbers, shellfish, carnivorous sponges, and unique-looking spiny invertebrates. These fascinating creatures were discovered in the CCZ and about the size of Australia, which is located between Mexico and Hawaii. “There are just some remarkable species down there. Some of the sponges look like classic bath sponges, and some look like vases. They are just beautiful. One of my favourites is the glass sponges. They have these little spines, and under the microscope, they look like tiny chandeliers or little sculptures,” said Muriel Rabone, a deep sea ecologist at London’s Natural History Museum.

“There are so many wonderful species in the CCZ, and with the possibility of mining looming, it’s doubly important that we know more about these really understudied habitats."

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