A recent expedition by the Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) off the coast of Chile has revealed a plethora of remarkable discoveries beneath the ocean's surface. Between 8 January and 11 February, researchers delved into the seafloor and unearthed over 100 previously unknown marine species, along with several never-before-seen seamounts.
The team's exploration focused on three key areas: the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges, two underwater mountain ranges spanning over 2,900 square kilometers from Chile to Easter Island, and the Juan Fernández and Nazca-Desventuradas marine parks. In total, they mapped approximately 52,800 square kilometers of ocean and identified four new seamounts, with the largest one named Solito towering over 3,500 meters above the seafloor.
Lead researcher Dr. Javier Sellanes expressed his excitement over the expedition's findings, highlighting the diverse ecosystems found on each seamount, including deep-sea coral reefs and sponge gardens. The team is now conducting further analysis to confirm the discovery of new species, a process that could take several years.
Notably, many of the species discovered during the expedition inhabit vulnerable habitats, making them susceptible to damage from activities like trawling and deep-sea mining. While specimens within protected marine parks are shielded from such threats, seamounts along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges remain at risk.
To continue their exploration, a second expedition along the Salas y Gomez Ridge has been launched, with underwater dives being livestreamed via the SOI's YouTube channel. Scientists are set to explore depths exceeding 600 meters for the first time, offering the world a glimpse into the wonders that lie beneath the ocean's surface.
