Crystabel Ukwuegbu
A groundbreaking global initiative has led to the identification of 866 previously unknown marine species, including sharks, lobsters, corals, and deep-sea sponges, expanding our knowledge of ocean biodiversity.
These newly discovered species from the ocean’s depths offer fresh insights into marine ecosystems and their delicate balance. Among them are new varieties of Angel Sharks, Spiny Rock Lobsters, and Green Sea Turtles, each playing a crucial role in sustaining marine habitats.
The Ocean Census, recognized as the most extensive effort of its kind, has documented these remarkable species, underscoring the vast array of undiscovered life beneath the ocean’s surface.
Scientists estimate that only about 10% of marine species have been classified, implying that nearly two million species remain unknown. This project aims to close that gap before it is too late to protect these vital organisms.
Dr. Michelle Taylor, lead researcher at the Ocean Census and senior lecturer at the University of Essex, emphasizes the urgency of accelerating species identification, as traditional methods often take over a decade from collection to classification.
Research teams aboard the Pisces IV submersible utilize state-of-the-art imaging and sampling technologies to explore the ocean floor with unprecedented precision. Currently, Dr. Taylor leads an Ocean Census expedition near the South Sandwich Islands, an area rich in deep-sea trenches and hydrothermal vents, making it an ideal location for new discoveries.
As the submersible, known as Sebastian, descends into the depths, its robotic arm carefully collects sediment and biological samples from the seafloor, while technical divers gather specimens from underwater caves. Each find is meticulously cataloged and studied onboard to expand our understanding of marine biodiversity.
A team of global taxonomists works around the clock in alternating 12-hour shifts, monitoring live video feeds and analyzing collected samples. With 24 scientists from over a dozen countries, the initiative maximizes research efforts to document and identify marine life critical to conservation.
One notable discovery includes a newly identified guitar shark—the 38th species of its kind—found off the coasts of Mozambique and Tanzania. Additionally, a venomous marine snail from New Caledonia has demonstrated potential for developing medicinal compounds beneficial in pain management and cancer treatment.
A distinctive species of sea fan, part of the octocoral family, has been identified in the Maldives, marking the first recorded instance of its genus in the region. Advanced submersibles are also enabling scientists to explore extreme environments like the hydrothermal vent fields near Svalbard, where life thrives under extreme heat and pressure.
Robotic arms and suction tools aboard research vessels help collect deep-sea sponges, organisms crucial for filtering ocean water and maintaining ecological balance. Each collected specimen represents a vital step toward understanding life in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
The classification of species is fundamental to biodiversity research, conservation strategies, and policymaking. Given that the majority of marine life remains undocumented, this initiative plays a pivotal role in bridging that knowledge gap.
In Tromsø, Norway, scientists are engaging with local schoolchildren, demonstrating species identification techniques to inspire future generations. Education and collaboration are key components of the Ocean Census, ensuring ongoing marine research.
Meanwhile, the research vessel Tangaroa is navigating challenging waters to deploy underwater cameras and landers, capturing crucial footage of deep-sea habitats. Data from these explorations will contribute to a growing global database accessible to researchers worldwide.
With plans for ten more expeditions across the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans, the Ocean Census aims not only to uncover new species but also to apply these findings toward conservation, ecosystem protection, and a deeper understanding of marine life.
