An underwater mountain range off Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, hosts an “astonishing” array of deep-sea species, at least 50 of which are new to science, researchers report.
At a depth of about 2,600 to 4,000 feet (800 to 1,200 meters) beneath the waves of the Southeast Pacific Ocean, researchers on the Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition have discovered the deepest PhotosynthesisNo approved animal has ever been found – A Leptospirosis, or wrinkled coral, which is already known to science. Other stunning sightings include a jellyfish-like creature known as the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Pathophyssa conifer) and the deep-sea luminous dragonfish of the Stomiidae family. Scientists have previously described these creatures, along with more than 100 other species, but they have never been spotted in this region before. Another 50 specimens, not yet analysed, are believed to be newly discovered species.
The expedition followed another Schmidt Ocean Institute research cruise in January that was unveiled More than 100 new suspected species A huge seamount off the coast of Chile. “The amazing habitats and animal communities we uncovered during these two expeditions are a dramatic example of how little we know about this remote region.” Javier SilanesA marine biology professor at the Catholic University of the North in Chile, who co-led the two expeditions, said in an article: statement.
While the January trip focused mostly on the Nazca and Juan Fernandez mountain ranges, the new trip documented marine life in the Salas y Gómez mountain range – an underwater mountain range. Extends 1,000 miles (1,600 km) From Nazca Ridge to Rapa Nui.
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Silanis and his colleagues crossed the ridge for 40 days in February and March aboard the Schmidt Ocean's Falkor research vessel (also). During the expedition, the team examined 10 seamounts, which are towering underwater mountains At least 3,300 feet (1,000 m) Above the ocean sea floor. Six of them have never been documented by scientific surveys before, and each seamount houses its own unique ecosystem, according to the statement.
“Observing distinct ecosystems on individual seamounts highlights the importance of protecting entire seamounts, not just a few seamounts.” Erin E. EastonAn assistant professor of marine sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a senior scientist at the Schmidt Ocean Institute said in the statement. “We hope that the data collected from this expedition will help establish new marine protected areas.”
Researchers explored the waters surrounding Rapa Nui with the help of local community members.
“The importance of participating in an oceanographic scientific expedition to Rapa Nui is the opportunity to better know and understand the marine environment surrounding the island.” Marcella, AravenaRapa Nui Sea Council member and Schmidt Ocean Institute observer said in the statement. “Natural resources, unknown marine species and climate phenomena that directly impact society can be discovered through research and exploration.”
