A multitude of new species was found lurking in the ocean's darkest depths, showing how strange this part of our planet is.
Deep-Sea Expedition
Last March, a team of experts engaged in a 45-day research expedition to the Clarion Clipperton Zone, a submarine fracture zone located between Mexico and Hawaii in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The team was on board the British research vessel James Cook and used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to photograph the deep-life species and to take samples for future research.
The scientists were led by marine biologist Thomas Dahlgren from the University of Gothenburg and the NORCE research institute. They studied the area which is part of the Abyssal Plains, a deep-sea region about 11,482-18,045 feet (3,500-5,500 meters) below the surface.
While this area makes up over half of the surface of the Earth, only little is known about its animal life. According to Dahlgren, these regions are the least explored areas on Earth, and science has described only one out of ten animal species living there.
The goal of the expedition was to map the biodiversity of the Clarion Clipperton Zone. In this area, experts plan to conduct deep-sea mining of rare metals like electric car batteries, solar panels, and other green technologies.
Different countries and companies are also waiting to get authorized in extracting these metals which remain bound to mineral nodules in the ocean floor. Before starting these projects, scientists want to learn how mining can affect the ecosystem and the existing species.
Alien-Looking Species
In the permanent darkness of the Abyssal Plains, scientists discovered animal species that live very different lives. In deeper regions, the ocean becomes extremely hostile to humans, but current technologies are capable of dangerous explorations.
Life is not easy down there. Living organisms in the abyssal seafloor depend on organic matter coming from the higher ocean strata as well as the occasional bounty of a whale fall. This means that most of the life in this place is mostly filter and sediment feeders as they can make the most of the limited food supply.
One of the remarkable finds during the expedition is the unicumber, a transparent sea cucumber that belongs to the Elpidiidae family. This animal has a clearly visible digestive tract and a long, strange tail used for swimming. They also act as vacuum cleaners of the ocean floor which specialize in looking for sediment that has passed through several stomachs.
Other species include a glass sponge and a filter feeder with a lifespan of up to 15,000 years, the longest known on the planet. There is also the worm-looking tanaid crustacean and the unique Barbie-pink sea pig which belongs to the Amperina genus.
The experts will explore further to learn more about the amazing species. As of now, they are certain that the biodiversity at the bottom of the ocean needs more attention and protection. About 30% of these marine areas are currently protected, and scientists need to know if this is enough to make sure that the species are not at risk of extinction.
Check out more news and information on Deep-Sea Creatures in Science Times.
