Issue 112 - September 2024

New Seamount & Previously Unknown Species Discovered in High Priority Area for International Marine Protection

Twenty possible new species were discovered across ten seamounts, the first-ever recording of a rare squid, and thriving deep-sea coral reefs were located during an expedition to the international waters of the Nazca Ridge.

VALPARAISO, Chile – A team of oceanographers led by Schmidt Ocean Institute have discovered and mapped a new seamount on the Nazca Ridge in international waters, 900 miles off the coast of Chile. The Nazca Ridge, an underwater mountain chain, along with the adjoining Salas y Gómez Ridge, is one of several global locations under consideration for designation as a high seas marine protected area.

Newly discovered, mapped, and explored seamount — Scientists on an expedition discovered a new underwater mountain, or seamount, using an underwater robot called SuBastian. The seamount is about 70 square kilometers in size and rises 3,109 meters from the seafloor. The scientists used sonar equipment on their ship, the Falkor (too), to map the seamount, which is located far off the coast of Chile. They have suggested a name for the seamount, but it’s still waiting for official approval. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute

The seamount discovery is one of many from a 28-day expedition to the international waters of the Nazca Ridge led by Schmidt Ocean Institute in partnership with Ocean Census and the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center at the University of New Hampshire.

The newly discovered underwater mountain is over 1.9 miles (3109 meters) tall and supports a thriving deep-sea ecosystem. In addition to mapping the seamount, the team conducted an exploratory dive with an underwater robot on one of the mountain’s ridges, finding sponge gardens and ancient corals.

The team mapped and explored nine additional unprotected features on this Southeast Pacific underwater mountain range. One of the mountains harbors a pristine coral garden consisting of deep-sea corals that provide shelter for an array of organisms such as rockfish, brittle stars, and king crabs. With an area of approximately 800 square meters, this coral garden is about the size of three tennis courts.

Beyond mapping seamounts to high resolution and conducting ROV surveys, the team captured the first camera footage of a live Promachoteuthis squid. This genus is so rare that only three species have been described based on only a few collected specimens, several of which are from the late 1800s. Until now, the squid genus has only been characterized from dead samples found in nets. They also documented a Casper octopus, the first time this species has been seen in the Southern Pacific. Two rare Bathyphasa siphonophores, commonly known as flying spaghetti monsters, were also seen during the expedition.

Matías Portflitt Toro, a marine biologist, is looking at a crustacean sample in the lab of the research ship Falkor (too). Credit: Misha Vallejo Prut / Schmidt Ocean Institute

Experiments inside the Cold Lab — Matías Portflitt Toro, a marine biologist, is looking at a crustacean sample in the lab of the research ship Falkor (too). Credit: Misha Vallejo Prut / Schmidt Ocean Institute

“Upon concluding our third expedition to the region, we’ve explored around 25 seamounts on the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridges,” said Co-Chief Scientist and Schmidt Ocean Institute Marine Technician, Tomer Ketter. “Our findings highlight the remarkable diversity of these ecosystems, while simultaneously revealing the gaps in our understanding of how the seamount ecosystems are interconnected. We hope the data gathered from these expeditions will help inform future policies, safeguarding these pristine environments for future generations.”

Tomer Ketter, Michael Rae, and Erin E. Easton are overseeing operations in the Mission Control room, keeping an eye on the monitors. Credit: Misha Vallejo Prut / Schmidt Ocean Institute

Michael Rae pilots rover — Tomer Ketter, Michael Rae, and Erin E. Easton are overseeing operations in the Mission Control room, keeping an eye on the monitors. Credit: Misha Vallejo Prut / Schmidt Ocean Institute

The expedition was the third exploration of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges conducted on the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) this year. Two previous expeditions in January and February documented over 150 previously unknown species and numerous range extensions for animals not previously known to live on the ridge. An additional 20 suspected new species were collected during this expedition.

Prior to Schmidt Ocean Institute’s expeditions this year, 1,019 species were known to live in this portion of the Pacific Ocean. The number now exceeds 1,300 and is growing. The records will be sent to the Ocean Census, an international, collaborative alliance led by the Nippon Foundation and Nekton to accelerate the discovery and protection of ocean life.

Squalus mitsukurii (Shortspine spurdog) on the seafloor near an unexplored seamount

A squat lobster in genus Sternostylus thought to be newly identified species

Chaunacops coloratus (sea toad) "standing" on fins

Bathyphysa conifera (Flying Spaghetti Monster)

This is the first time this rare octopus species —informally named the Casper octopus — has been seen in the Southern Pacific. Discovered in 2016 and nicknamed Casper, the species has not been scientifically described or formally named, as no one has collected a specimen yet. While little is known about this species, scientists do know that it is one of two octopuses found in the Ocean’s abyssal zone. The observation in this clip took place at 4,443 meters depth, almost three miles below the Ocean’s surface. © ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute

“The seamounts of the Southeastern Pacific host remarkable biological diversity, with species found nowhere else to date,” said Prof. Alex David Rogers, Science Director of Ocean Census, “The work our taxonomists have conducted aboard Falkor (too), supported by Schmidt Ocean Institute team, will significantly enhance our understanding of the distribution of remarkable life forms on these underwater mountains, including several that have never before been mapped or seen by human eyes.”

High-resolution mapping was conducted by a team of hydrographers who graduated from the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center at the University of New Hampshire. The seafloor data will be included in the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project and will contribute to international understanding and management of Nazca and Salas y Gómez.

Paragorgia (bubblegum coral) covered with Midas touch (Yellow Parazoanthidae)

“This was the first mission led by the staff and crew of Schmidt Ocean Institute, with wonderful colleagues from a number of organizations on board, and I was privileged to be among the scientists joining the research vessel remotely,” said Co-Chief Scientist and Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Dr. Jyotika Virmani. “The discovery of a new seamount almost 2 miles tall – almost four times as tall as the Burj Khalifa – with a vibrant ecosystem was very exciting. Only 26% of the seafloor has been mapped to this high resolution and each expedition on Falkor (too) brings into focus a little more of the unknown seabed and life on our home planet.”

About the Organizations

The Ocean Census is a global network of scientific, conservation, and technology partners collaborating to accelerate the discovery and protection of ocean life. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation, the Ocean Census aims to develop and implement innovative strategies and technologies to accelerate the identification of marine species, address the ocean biodiversity crisis, and support sustainable development goals. Learn more at https://oceancensus.org/.

The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center (CCOM/JHC) was founded in 1999 with two main objectives—to develop tools to advance ocean mapping and hydrography, and to train the next generation of hydrographers and ocean mappers. The JHC is a formal cooperative partnership between the University of New Hampshire and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) whose aim is to create a national center for expertise in ocean mapping and hydrographic sciences. CCOM, a complementary university center, expands the scope of ocean mapping interaction and collaboration with the private sector, other government agencies, and other universities. Learn more at https://ccom.unh.edu/.

ESMOI, the Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands at the Universidad Católica del Norte, bases its work on 4 fundamental axes: 1) frontier research, 2) training of young scientists, 3) formation of national and international collaboration networks, and 4) connection with the national and international sectors. Its goal is to generate the scientific basis necessary for a strategy of sustainable management and conservation of marine ecosystems associated with seamounts and oceanic islands from Chile and the Pacific, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at https://esmoi.ucn.cl/

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. Learn more at https://oceana.org/

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Related Topics:Discovery ocean expidition ocean exploration

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Issue 112 - September 2024

Nominations For the 2025 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ Are Now Open!

Nominations for the prestigious Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ are open now through November 18th. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for the Ocean’, these honors commemorate Peter Benchley, a lifelong advocate for sharks and ocean preservation and the renowned author of the iconic novel Jaws. Founded to recognize individuals across an array of fields that impact the ocean, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ honor those providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing our ocean, ecosystems, wildlife, and climate. Award categories include:

Excellence in National Leadership – Awarded to the representative of a nation that has made an exceptional contribution to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of our global ocean.
Excellence in Policy—Awarded to an individual who contributes to advancing the cause of sustainable ocean use and conservation based on the best available science and through the establishment of effective and enforceable laws and regulations.
Excellence in Action—Awarded to a marine grassroots organization, team, or individual that has made a major and long-term commitment to improving the quality of our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Excellence in Science and Exploration—Awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to our understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge marine science and/or bold exploration and courageous efforts to uncover new and different aspects of our ocean planet.
Excellence in Media – Awarded to an individual or media outlet that showcases an exceptional ability to communicate ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act as engaged citizens.
Excellence in Sustainable Business Solutions – Awarded to a business that helps find or create sustainable solutions to one of the many environmental challenges confronting our ocean.
Christopher Benchley Youth Award – Awarded to a young person who, early in life, has already made a significant contribution to marine conservation and public education about our ocean.
Ocean Hero—Awarded to an individual who shows exceptional ability in communicating ocean issues of concern to the public in ways that inform and/or inspire people to act.

The selection process for the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards™ is overseen by a respected committee of ocean conservation leaders, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process that upholds the high standards and values of the awards. The 2025 Selection Committee includes:

Wendy Benchley – Ocean Conservation and Policy Advocate
Jasmin Grahm – CEO and Co-Founder, Minorities in Shark Sciences
Dr. Sylvia Earle – Pioneering Oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, and Founder of Mission Blue Sylvia Earle Alliance
David Helvarg – Author, Founder and Executive Director, Blue Frontier
Kim McIntyre – Executive Director, Aquarium Conservation Partnership
John Racanelli – CEO, National Aquarium
Sean Russell – Director of Youth Engagement, EarthEcho International
Dr. Enric Sala – National Geographic Explorer in Residence
Vikki Spruill – CEO, New England Aquarium
‘Aulani Wilhelm – Chief Strategy & External Relations Officer, Nia Tero

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About ACP:

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership is a coalition of aquariums working together to increase our conservation impact. Collectively, our 31 members in 21 states and Canada welcome over 35 million visitors a year. ACP members advocate for policy change, advance federal and state conservation policies, mobilize audiences to take action and demonstrate our commitment to conservation in our business practices. Our mission is to safeguard ocean and freshwater ecosystems by aligning and supporting the conservation efforts of aquariums for greater collective and individual impact. https://www.aquariumconservation.org/

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Conservation Photography

Bait Ball Massacre – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, September 2024

A sure death for this small fish, as the marlin jumped out of the water, spearing the little fish as it landed. Here, striped marlins congregate near a sea lion colony where they bring fish up from the depths, corral them into tight balls, and pick them off one by one. I spent three days documenting these feeding frenzies- watching countless terrified fish caught in the frays of nature’s greatest challenge. Low on the food chain, the fish’s best hope of survival is in the safety of numbers, but when dozens of apex predators gather, that can be their downfall. Many times a bait ball of fish is hunted down to the very last fish, leaving only the shimmering scales floating in the blue.

A terrifying scene for the small fish, fleeing for their lives as a striped marlin hunts them. Here, the slightest mistake means life or death as the marlin’s bill slices through the water during a high-speed hunt. These fish have very little respite, as birds try to hunt from above, and more than a dozen other marlin and sea lions all attack the same small ball of fish. Marlin is one of the fastest fish in the world, a terrifying predator for a small fish in the great blue desert. | When photographing wildlife moving at high speed such as fish or birds, it’s important to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion.

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people on small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com