Scientists discover 57 new marine species lurking in the depths of the South Atlantic
The workshop, which took place in July, brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from across Latin America and Europe to examine deep-sea biological samples.
Dozens of new marine species discovered in the South Atlantic
Scientists exploring the South Atlantic Ocean have discovered 57 new marine species and five new genera. The discoveries were made during a two-week workshop that brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers to study deep-sea biological samples.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A group of scientists in Argentina discovered 57 new marine species and five new genera.
- The workshop brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from across Latin America and Europe.
- Among the key findings was Loki the sea cucumber, a deep-sea echinoderm named for its horned appendages.
A group of scientists in Argentina discovered dozens of new species in the South Atlantic Ocean, shedding new light on one of the world’s most biologically dynamic regions.
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During a two-week International Species Discovery Workshop led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census in partnership with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, scientists identified 57 new marine species and five new genera.
"Discovering 57 new species and five new genera in just two weeks demonstrates the speed and power of collaborative taxonomy," Dr. Michelle Taylor, Ocean Census head of science, said.
The team discovered this striking deep-sea holothurian (sea cucumber) was named "Loki" for its prominent horned appendages.
(ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute)
The workshop, which took place in July, brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from across Latin America and Europe to examine deep-sea biological samples.
The team used remotely operated vehicles and integrated taxonomic techniques to identify specimens. They also logged their discoveries directly onto Ocean Census NOVA, the world’s first open-access data platform for newly discovered marine species.
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"International cooperation in taxonomy is critical, especially in groups with few active specialists," Dr. Daniel Lauretta, principal investigator at CONICET and the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, said.
"The species discovery workshop accelerated species identification, the recognition of species new to science, and increased capacity building for local early-career taxonomists working on deep-sea fauna," Lauretta continued.
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Image 1 of 3A remotely operated vehicle was used during the workshop. (Schmidt Ocean Institute)
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Image 2 of 3The ROV's robotic manipulator arm holds a sea pen that was living on the seafloor. ( ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute)
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Image 3 of 3A striking, bright red-orange octocoral documented on the soft substrates of the deep ocean floor. (ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Among the key findings was Loki the sea cucumber, a deep-sea echinoderm named for its horned appendages, as well as a collection of newly identified copepods, deep-sea corals and sea pens.
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In all, the team identified 20 new species of copepods, 22 echinoderms, including sea cucumbers and crinoids, 14 cnidarians, including octocorals, sea pens and stony corals, and one scaphopod mollusk.
The team also found five new scientific genera spanning corals, sea cucumbers and crustaceans.
"These results show the power when world-class technology and expertise meets international scientific collaboration," Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute’s executive director, said. "By identifying new species, these scientists have advanced our understanding of South Atlantic marine life and, via Ocean Census, ensured that this data is accessible globally."
Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Lauretta examines deep-sea marine specimens during the international Species Discovery Workshop.
(The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Schmidt Ocean Institute / FOX Weather)
The success of the discovery effort has led the team to plan a follow-up expedition in February and March 2027 to a different submarine canyon.
New samples of marine invertebrates collected during the upcoming expedition could potentially find even more new species and genera, causing further collaborative species discovery efforts.
"By bringing Latin America’s scientific expertise and international experts together, as well as connecting them to the open-access Ocean Census NOVA platform, we are drastically accelerating our understanding of marine biodiversity," Dr. Taylor said.