One of the newly discovered fish species – Photo cut from video
Scientists deployed the SuBastian diving robot at the Salas y Gómez Ridge, Juan Fernandez and Nazca-Desventuradas marine reserves from January 8 to February 11 to collect samples.
These are areas of intense geological activity, filled with hydrothermal vents (fissures on the surface that create hot water) that help sustain many different forms of life.
As a result, they found countless strange animals there. For example, an ancient coral forest, clusters of sea urchins with rows of cactus-like spines, hundreds of species of fish, lobsters and colorful amphibians…
One of the new spider crab species – Photo cut from video
“Previously only two new species were discovered in this area and now we have found about 40 new species,” said Javier Sellanes, head of the research team.
“We have far exceeded our own expectations on this expedition,” Mr. Sellanes added, affirming that the number of new species is “incredible.”
Experts are analyzing the remaining specimens brought back by the SuBastian robot to determine whether they are a new species or not.
Another creature that looks like a spider – Photo cut from video
Besides exploring the local ecosystem, scientists also mapped the seabed in an area of 52,777 km2.2 and found 4 other underground volcanoes.
The above project belongs to the Nekton ocean investigation program implemented by the Nippon Foundation in cooperation with the Schimidt Institute of Oceanography. They aim to find 100,000 new marine species in the next 10 years.
The second expedition by the Falkor submarine, also part of this project, departed on February 24.
The California-based non-profit organization SOI will join the race to explore the ocean in 2025. They operate in the southeast Pacific, mainly off the coast of Peru and Chile.
One of the ancient coral populations – Photo cut from video
The newly discovered species not only provide more understanding to the scientific community, but also demonstrate the effectiveness of biodiversity protection measures proposed by the Chilean Government.
Many countries around the world have committed to establishing marine protected areas under the United Nations treaty by 2023 to combat the exploitation and hunting of marine life to the point of exhaustion.
