This newly discovered sea star species survives in the harsh Arctic waters. CNN
Scientists have discovered 866 new marine species, including a guitar-shaped shark, a fan-like coral, and a venomous deep-sea snail with harpoon-like teeth. These findings come from a major effort to explore and document ocean life. The Ocean Census, a global project launched in 2023, aims to uncover marine species and fill gaps in ocean research.
The discoveries were made during 10 ocean expeditions using divers, submarines, and remotely operated vehicles. The new species were found at depths ranging from three feet to more than three miles. Experts say there are still thousands of unknown species in the ocean.
Michelle Taylor, a coral specialist from the University of Essex and a lead investigator in Ocean Census, explained that scientists have identified only about 10% of all marine species. Speaking from a research vessel in the South Atlantic Ocean, she emphasized the vast potential for new discoveries.
Researchers near the Maldives discovered a newly identified species of octocoral. CNN
“This is an area of the world that’s very remote,” Taylor said. “It took eight days on a boat from southern Chile to get here. It’s very rarely visited.”
Among the remarkable finds was an octocoral, a type of soft coral with eight tentacles, discovered in the waters near the Maldives. Another expedition found a new species of guitar shark off the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania. This shark, part of the Rhinobatos genus, has features of both sharks and rays.
“Shark populations are decreasing rapidly across the world’s oceans, so discovering a new species is really special,” Taylor noted.
Another expedition exploring the Norwegian-Greenland Sea at a depth of 10,000 feet uncovered a new limpet (a marine mollusk with a conical shell) and a sea star. These creatures survive in extreme conditions, where temperatures can range from near freezing to over 570°F near hydrothermal vents.
One of the most fascinating discoveries was a venomous sea snail named Turridrupa magnifica. This predator injects venom into its prey using specialized teeth. Scientists believe the compounds in its venom could have medical benefits, including pain treatments.
Advancements in technology, such as genetic sequencing and real-time imaging, have made it easier to identify new marine species. However, scientists still need to collect and study physical specimens to confirm new species, which can take years.
One of the most fascinating discoveries was a venomous sea snail called Turridrupa magnifica. CNN
Taylor explained that the slow process of officially naming species is a challenge. Ocean Census aims to speed up this work, with a goal of identifying 100,000 new species over the next decade.
“The peer review process takes so long that it slows down knowledge sharing,” Taylor said. “If we want to understand biodiversity and how climate change affects marine life, we need faster methods.”
This large-scale project highlights the importance of exploring the ocean and protecting marine ecosystems. As scientists continue their research, they expect to uncover even more fascinating species hidden beneath the waves.
