Up to 30 previously unknown deep-sea species, including a carnivorous “death-ball” sponge, have been confirmed from one of the most remote parts of the planet.
The species were recorded by scientists involved in the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census during two research cruises with the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The new predatory sponge (Chondrocladia sp. nov.) is described as spherical and covered in tiny hooks that trap prey - a contrast to the gentle, passive, filter-feeding undertaken by most sponges.
“Zombie worms” (Osedax sp.) were also observed, the scientists say.
Although not thought to be new to science, these worms have no mouth or gut and rely on symbiotic bacteria to break down fats inside the bones of whales and other large vertebrates.
“Accelerating species discovery is not a scientific luxury, it is essential for public good,” Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, who leads Ocean Census with the Nekton Foundation, said.
“Ocean Census is a program with the goal to reveal the unknowns of our world. Through its expeditions, we have seen another groundbreaking species discovery that benefits the world’s scientists, policymakers and communities.”
The search for new species in the South Sandwich islands involved an Ocean Census Flagship expedition onboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor.
The team used an ROV to survey volcanic calderas, the South Sandwich Trench, and seafloor habitats around Montagu and Saunders Islands.
The team collected nearly 2,000 specimens across 14 animal groups (phyla), alongside thousands of high-definition images and hours of video.
Highlights include new hydrothermal vents at ~700 m with chemosynthetic communities, vibrant coral gardens, evidence of explosive undersea volcanism, and the first confirmed footage of a juvenile colossal squid.
“The Southern Ocean remains profoundly under-sampled. To date, we have only assessed under 30% of the samples collected from this expedition, so confirming 30 new species already shows how much biodiversity is still undocumented,” Dr Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, said.
The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census is the world’s largest alliance dedicated to accelerating the discovery of ocean life.
Established by The Nippon Foundation, a Japanese philanthropic organisation, and Nekton in 2023, the Ocean Census brings together hundreds of scientists and institutions across the globe to explore, document, and share the diversity of marine species at unprecedented speed and scale.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
