Researchers have made significant discoveries in the Southern Ocean, identifying 30 new deep-sea species, including a carnivorous sponge referred to as the “death-ball.” This sponge, scientifically named Chondrocladia sp. nov, diverges from typical sponges by employing tiny hooks to capture its prey, showcasing the unique adaptations found in these remote waters.
The findings are part of an ongoing analysis of thousands of samples collected during expeditions funded by the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and other partners. The research teams gathered approximately 2,000 specimens across 14 animal groups, alongside extensive photographic and video documentation.
Recent research cruises explored areas beneath the South Sandwich Islands and regions close to Antarctica. Notably, these expeditions included surveying a newly exposed seabed, which emerged after a massive iceberg broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf earlier this year. During these journeys, the team also recorded footage of a juvenile colossal squid, which garnered attention when it was first shared. However, this was merely a glimpse of the broader diversity uncovered during the research.
Among the newly identified creatures are various armored and iridescent scale worms, previously unknown sea stars and isopods, and other organisms that researchers suspect may represent entirely new species. Additionally, familiar species such as “zombie worms,” known for their role in decomposing whale carcasses using symbiotic bacteria, were also observed. Their presence was particularly noteworthy in light of recent concerns regarding their declining numbers in other marine environments.
These discoveries highlight the vast unknowns of the Southern Ocean and the deep sea. Conducting deep-sea expeditions poses numerous challenges, yet the findings from the Ocean Census underscore the importance of such endeavors. According to Michelle Taylor, head scientist at the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, the newly reported species constitute less than 30% of the total samples collected. She remarked, “The Southern Ocean remains profoundly under-sampled. Each confirmed species is a building block for conservation, biodiversity studies, and untold future scientific endeavors.”
Once the comprehensive taxonomical analysis is completed, all confirmed records will be accessible through an open access database known as the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform.
