Deep-Sea Mountains Off The Coast Of Chile Are Teeming With Life

[Judi Lynn]

Priya Shukla
Contributor

Feb 24, 2024,09:15am EST



A spiraling coral documented at 1419 meters deep on Seamount JF1, within the bounds of the Mar de ... [+]ROV SUBASTIAN / SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE
A research expedition exploring seamounts near Valparaíso, Chile may have found over 100 new species thriving across the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges.

The Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges are deep-sea mountain ranges with multiple volcanoes that extend nearly 1,870 miles and are home to numerous species. Many of these are important fishery species, such as jack mackerel and swordfish, while others are rare and cannot be found elsewhere in the ocean. The Humboldt Current that flows north along the Chilean coast delivers cool, nutrient-rich seawater that fuels the diversity of life found across the underwater mountain range.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute, in partnership with Universidad Católica del Norte, explored the Ridges via the R/V Falkor (too) earlier this year. The vessel Mwas equipped with an ROV, a camera, and multiple instruments to make a wide variety of observations about biodiversity in the deep sea environment that could inform efforts to establish a marine protected area in this part of the high seas. This expedition is part of a larger effort to address the impacts of climate change on ocean habitats in and around Chile.

From January 8 - February 11, scientists surveyed the range spanning from Chile to Rapa Nui (‘Easter Island’) as well as two existing marine protected areas in Chile. In addition to mapping 20,377 square miles, they also found four previously unknown seamounts. To examine the seamounts, an underwater robot capable of descending almost 15,000 feet was deployed and found unique ecosystems across the seamounts, such as sponge gardens and coral reefs. Within them, researchers spotted squat lobsters, sea urchins, and small crustaceans known as amphipods. Additional specimens were collected to test their genetics and confirm whether certain species are indeed new to science.

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Considered the planet’s largest habitat, the deep sea is underexplored. Despite the ocean covering 70% of the planet, only 6% of the ocean floor has been mapped to a resolution that is meaningful for scientific purposes. Even less is known about the species existing across the ocean’s depths. Up to one million species may exist in the ocean, and the vast majority of these have yet to be discovered (about 2,000 new species are described by scientists each year).

More:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/priyashukla/2024/02/24/deep-sea-mountains-off-the-coast-of-chile-are-teeming-with-life/