Oceanographers exploring an underwater mountain range in international waters made several significant discoveries, including a rare squid species and a new species of octopus. During a 28-day expedition, researchers also encountered two Bathyphysa siphonophores, deep-sea marine creatures often called “flying spaghetti monsters” due to their long, wavy tendrils.
The research was conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, which focused on the Nazca Ridge, located about 900 miles off the coast of Chile. This mountain range is being considered for designation as a “high seas marine protected area” to help protect underwater ecosystems. Currently, only 1% of the ocean has such protection, as noted by the High Seas Alliance.
Oceanographers find underwater mountain bigger than Mount Olympus https://t.co/WkLBwj9dbC
— candacemariecooper (@candies2639) August 29, 2024
While using high-resolution mapping technology to explore the area, researchers discovered the seamount—a nearly two-mile-tall underwater mountain that is taller than Mount Olympus and spans about 27 square miles. The Schmidt Ocean Institute highlighted that this seamount supports a vibrant deep-sea ecosystem.
An exploratory dive conducted with an underwater robot revealed diverse features on the mountain, including extensive sponge gardens and ancient corals. One coral garden found by the team covered an area equivalent to three tennis courts and provided habitat for various marine species, such as king crabs and rockfish.
“Our findings highlight the remarkable diversity of these ecosystems while simultaneously revealing the gaps in our understanding of how the seamount ecosystems are interconnected,” said Tomer Ketter, co-chief scientist and marine technician at the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The researchers also managed to capture the first-ever footage of a live Promachoteuthis squid, a rare deep-sea squid species previously only known from dead specimens. In addition to the “flying spaghetti monsters,” the expedition uncovered “20 suspected new species,” further expanding the known biodiversity of the area.
The Bathyphysa siphonophore, also known as the “flying spaghetti monster,” is a colonial organism composed of multicellular units called zooids, each performing a specific function such as reproduction, digestion, flotation, and body positioning. The Schmidt Ocean Institute noted the teamwork involved in the organism’s survival.
The CUTEST Casper octopus has been spotted for the FIRST TIME in the southern Pacific.
This is one of the many RARE marine species found at a newly-discovered MASSIVE underwater mountain off the coast of Chile.
Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute#NatureIsAwesome pic.twitter.com/rubQ2oJm8O
— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) August 29, 2024
This expedition is one of several in 2024 that have led to the discovery of more than 150 previously unknown species. Some creatures were also found living on the mountains that were not previously known to inhabit these areas. Before these expeditions, only 1,019 species were known to exist in this part of the ocean, but now more than 1,300 species have been confirmed, with the number continuing to grow.
Key Points:
i. Oceanographers discovered a nearly two-mile-high underwater mountain and several new species, including a rare squid and a new octopus species.
ii. The expedition was led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in the Nazca Ridge, which may become a high seas marine protected area.
iii. Researchers used advanced technology to explore the seamount, revealing diverse ecosystems, including large coral gardens and sponge fields.
iv. The first live footage of the rare Promachoteuthis squid was captured, along with sightings of the “flying spaghetti monster” siphonophores.
v. The 2024 expeditions have greatly increased the known biodiversity in the region, with over 1,300 species now confirmed.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News