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Scientists find 30 potential new species at bottom of ocean

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Natural History Museum scientists seek to unlock mysteries of deep sea but some fear activity will disturb diversity of the depths

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Scientists discover at least 20 new species in underwater ecosystem

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Spanning 1.7 million square miles of ocean from Hawaii to Mexico, a hidden underwater world teems with life. More than 5,500 deep-sea species reside in the area of the Pacific known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone, and roughly 90 percent of them have yet to be described by science, according to a new study.

"Everything in the [deep sea] is extremely cold and obviously completely dark," says Adrian Glover, a co-author on the study and scientist at the Natural History Museum of London, which led the research. "The amount of food is very low. Yet somehow-you know, the cheesy Jurassic Park line-life finds a way to survive down there."

To create a comprehensive inventory of all the species living in this region, the researchers sifted through more than 100,000 biological records from research expeditions, with some reports dating back to the 1880s.

They recorded an abundance of arthropods such as shrimps and crabs, as well as sea cucumbers, mollusks, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the hyper-durable tardigrade, which can survive some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

But there's a catch: The species in this zone share their home with one of the ocean's largest known reserves of precious minerals, including cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Concentrated in billions of dark lumps scattered across the seafloor called "polymetallic nodules," these types of minerals are required to create renewable technology such as solar panels and batteries for electric vehicles, which will be critical in the fight to slow climate change, experts say.

As a result, the CCZ has become a prime candidate for potential deep-sea mining operations. Though not yet legal, commercial seabed mining in international waters is creeping toward reality, which could have devastating consequences for deep-sea biodiversity, research suggests. That's why determining what species dwell in this region is so important, says study leader Muriel Rabone, a deep-sea researcher at the Natural History Museum of London. (See photos of more deep-sea creatures.)

"If there are mining activities in the area, we need to understand what those impacts may be," says Rabone, whose study was published today in Current Biology. Without an idea of how many species there are in the CCZ, "we are going in blind," she says.

Deep-sea wonders

In the past few decades, scientists have used underwater remotely operated vehicles to study the CCZ, which reaches depths of 18,000 feet in some areas. Yet, the biological data from these expeditions is often overlooked, says Glover.

"There's a huge amount of samples that just get collected from these environments and don't get worked up."

To help remedy this, the researchers spent many months combing through and compiling deep-sea data from seven different sources. One of the platforms they pulled from is a database called DeepData, where contractors-including mining companies-are required to submit findings from exploratory mining environmental assessments through the International Seabed Authority, the intergovernmental body tasked with regulating seabed mining.

Of the 5,578 species the researchers recorded, just 436 of them have been formally described by science. This list includes gelatinous "gummy squirrel" sea cucumbers and colorful polychaete worms, as well as some species like sea lilies that actually live on stalks attached to the polymetallic nodules, according to Glover.

Glover is currently working on a separate research project funded by The Metals Company, a metal producer that has several exploratory mining contracts in the CCZ with the aim to eventually mine in the area. However, the authors declared no conflicts of interest on this study. (Read more reporting about how mining the CCZ could be disastrous for ocean life.)

"If we are going to be able to synthesize and understand what's going on in the Clarion Clipperton Zone in a way that we can effectively manage the region, we have to combine knowledge from industry, from academia, and from private foundations," says Lisa Levin, an oceanographer at the University of California in San Diego who was not involved in the study. "We have to bring all the resources together."

While the study provides a clear picture of all known deep-sea animals in the CCZ, it also shows everything we don't know about biodiversity in this region-which is an equally crucial finding, says Levin.

"Another really important point about this paper is that everything in it has to be an underestimate, because so many parts of the Clarion Clipperton Zone haven't been sampled," she says.

Mining impacts

To retrieve the polymetallic nodules in the CCZ, companies plan to use large machines that excavate the seafloor, which will likely kill many of the fauna living there as well, past research shows. Additionally, the plumes of sediment stirred up by mining operations may smother some species, while noise pollution from machinery could stretch hundreds of miles from the original mining site, models suggest. (Learn more about the race to mine the deep sea.)

In the face of so many potential risks, more than 700 marine experts have signed a letter calling for a pause on seabed mining operations until more research can be done.

"We need further science to assess what the damage might be," says Julian Jackson, an oceans manager at Pew Charitable Trusts, which funded the new study.

However, speculators and mining companies argue that deep-sea mining is necessary sooner rather than later to meet growing demands for renewable technologies. The next round of talks to discuss deep-sea mining regulations is set to happen this summer.

"It will be a question of how much risk that society is willing to take," says Glover. "We'll wait to see whether they'll move forward [with seabed mining] or not. Meanwhile, we'll try and get as much information as we can."

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These deep-sea animals are new to science-and already at risk

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About 90 percent of species found in the Clarion Clipperton Zone have never been identified, yet they may be at risk from mining for minerals such as cobalt and nickel.

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Fear Could Help Explain the Behavior of Animals in the Ocean

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Avoidance of predation is a driving force behind the daily movements of marine creatures across the food web, a study concludes.

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VALPARAISO, Chile - An international group of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, may have discovered more than 100 new species living on seamounts off the coast of Chile. The recent Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition resulted in identifying deep-sea corals, glass sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, squat lobsters, and other species likely new to science.

The team explored seamounts along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridge, both inside and outside Chile's jurisdiction, to collect data that could support the designation of an international high-seas marine protected area. The Salas y Gómez Ridge is a 2,900-kilometer-long underwater mountain chain comprising more than 200 seamounts that stretch from offshore Chile to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. The majority of the ridge exists outside national jurisdiction. Additionally, the scientists explored two of Chile's marine protected areas, the Juan Fernandez and Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks.

During the expedition, scientists used an underwater robot, capable of descending to depths of 4,500 meters, to collect data from ten seamounts that will be used to advance Chile's marine protection efforts. The scientists found that each seamount hosted distinct ecosystems, many of which are vulnerable, including thriving deep-sea coral reefs and sponge gardens . The scientists are analyzing the physiology and genetics of the specimens they suspect are new to science to confirm if they are new species.

Experts on board the ship mapped 52,777 square kilometers of seafloor, resulting in the discovery of four seamounts within Chilean waters. The fourth seamount, the tallest mountain at 3,530 meters, was explored for the first time, mapped, and unofficially named Solito by the science team.

"We far exceeded our hopes on this expedition. You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing," said Sellanes. "These thriving and healthy ecosystems indicate that the Nazca-Desventuradas and Juan Fernández Marine Parks effectively protect delicate marine habitats."

A second expedition along the Salas y Gomez Ridge will begin aboard research vessel on 24 Feb. Underwater dives will be livestreamed on Schmidt Ocean Institute's YouTube channel as scientists explore areas deeper than 600 meters depth for the first time. Schmidt Ocean Institute will be operating in the Southeast Pacific, exploring the waters off Peru and Chile throughout 2024.

"Full species identification can take many years, and Dr. Sellanas and his team have an incredible number of samples from this amazingly beautiful and little-known biodiversity hotspot," said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. " Schmidt Ocean Institute is a partner with the Nippon Foundation - Nekton Ocean Census Program, which has set a target of finding 100,000 new marine species in the next ten years and, once identified, these new species will be a part of that."

About the Organizations

Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org .

Universidad Católica del Norte is one of the 13 universities certified for excellence in Chile. The Faculty of Marine Sciences is located in the Guayacán Campus at Coquimbo and has a long history of research in marine sciences, hosting three undergraduate and five graduate programs https://www.ucn.cl/facultad-de-ciencias-del-mar/. ESMOI, its Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (https://sites.google.com/ucn.cl/esmoi-ing/home), bases its work on 4 fundamental axes: 1) frontier research, 2) training of young scientists, 3) formation of national and international collaboration networks, and 4) connection with the national and international sectors. Its goal is to generate the scientific basis necessary for a strategy of sustainable management and conservation of marine ecosystems associated with seamounts and oceanic islands from Chile and the Pacific, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was reimagined as a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley (Texas) in 2015. It is currently one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the United States. Its mission is to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world through an innovative and accessible educational environment that promotes student success, research, creative works, health and well-being, community engagement, sustainable development, and commercialization of university discoveries.

Universidad de Valparaíso aspires to be recognized as a regional, complex state institution, with international projection, inclusive, with a gender perspective, training people of excellence, with a social sense, that promotes equity, that cultivates and transfers innovative knowledge, with interdisciplinary perspective, which learns and contributes to the sustainable development of the region and the country.

CIIMAR is a leading research and advanced training institution of the University of Porto, focused on creating innovative ideas for the sustainability of the Ocean and finding solutions for the future needs of our society. Promoting the understanding and knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of these environments and the impact of natural and human disturbances.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) strives to provide world-class education, research and community engagement for the advancement of the prosperity and welfare of our communities.

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Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile's Coast - Schmidt Ocean Institute

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The crew of Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too) discovered four underwater mountains - the tallest of which is over 1.5 miles high - on a January transit from Golfito, Costa Rica, to Valparaiso, Chile.

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Definition

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act is a U.S. law enacted in 1972 that aims to protect the marine environment from harmful human activities, particularly through the regulation of ocean dumping and the establishment of marine sanctuaries. This act supports conservation efforts by creating designated areas where marine ecosystems can thrive while also facilitating research on marine life and habitats. It emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of ocean resources for future generations.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act regulates ocean dumping to minimize its impact on marine environments, prohibiting materials that could harm human health or the marine ecosystem.

2. Under this act, marine sanctuaries can be established to protect specific areas known for their ecological significance, cultural heritage, or recreational value.

3. The act promotes scientific research on marine environments to improve understanding and inform conservation strategies.

4. It also involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including state governments, local communities, and research institutions, to ensure effective management of marine resources.

5. The act has led to the creation of numerous marine protected areas across the U.S., helping to restore and conserve vital marine ecosystems.

Review Questions

How does the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act contribute to seagrass conservation efforts?
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act plays a crucial role in seagrass conservation by designating specific areas as marine sanctuaries where seagrass beds are protected from harmful activities such as dredging and pollution. These protected areas allow seagrass ecosystems to recover and thrive, which is vital because they provide essential habitat for numerous marine species and contribute to overall ocean health. The act also promotes research initiatives aimed at understanding seagrass ecosystems better and developing effective management practices.

Discuss how marine spatial planning relates to the objectives set forth by the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.
Marine spatial planning (MSP) aligns closely with the goals of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act by providing a framework for managing ocean space effectively. MSP considers various ocean uses, such as fishing, shipping, and recreation while ensuring that sensitive areas like marine sanctuaries are preserved. This comprehensive approach helps balance human activities with conservation needs, ultimately supporting sustainable use of marine resources as outlined by the act.

Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act on coastal resilience and community well-being.
The long-term impacts of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act on coastal resilience and community well-being are significant. By protecting vital marine habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which act as natural buffers against storms and erosion, communities benefit from enhanced coastal protection. Additionally, healthier marine ecosystems contribute to sustainable fisheries and recreational opportunities that support local economies. Ultimately, this act fosters a collaborative approach among stakeholders that leads to improved management practices for both environmental sustainability and community prosperity.

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Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act - (Coastal Resilience Engineering) - Vocab, Definition, Explanations | Fiveable

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The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act is a U.S. law enacted in 1972 that aims to protect the marine environment from harmful human activities, particularly through the regulation of ocean dumping and the establishment of marine sanctuaries. This act supports conservation efforts by creating designated areas where marine ecosystems can thrive while also facilitating research on marine life and habitats.

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Tiny New Sea Species Discovered—First Ever Video | National Geographic

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Creatures of the Deep Sea | Mission Critical

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Ocean incineration : its role in managing hazardous waste

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Ocean incineration : its role in managing hazardous waste