In the Southern Ocean, a team from the Ocean Census Science Network is making exciting discoveries. They joined an expedition on the R/V Falkor in the Bellingshausen Sea, especially after a large iceberg, A-84, broke off the George VI Ice Shelf in January 2025. This created a chance to explore the seabed, which had been covered by 150 meters of ice for centuries.
Dr. Michelle Taylor, head of science at Ocean Census, pointed out that only about 30% of the samples collected so far have been analyzed, but already they have confirmed 30 new species. This highlights how much we still don’t know about the ocean’s biodiversity.
During the expedition, scientists used advanced tools for mapping and imaging, which allowed them to explore areas that no human has seen before. Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, shared that their team even spotted a juvenile colossal squid for the first time. This discovery is just one example of how technology is enhancing scientific research.
Other notable findings from the mission include:
- Iridescent scale worms (Eulagisca sp. nov.)
- New sea stars from various families, including Brisingidae and Paxillosidae
- Unidentified crustaceans, possibly representing a new family of amphipods
- Rare species of gastropods, bivalves, and black corals found in unique underwater habitats
- A potentially new genus of sea-pen, currently undergoing expert evaluation
At the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop, specialists from around the globe worked efficiently to verify new species. Using techniques like imaging and DNA barcoding, they sped up the taxonomic process, tackling a significant backlog of samples.
Dr. Taylor emphasized that Ocean Census aims to speed up species discovery and make data accessible, which is crucial for conservation efforts. The Southern Ocean is vital for understanding ecosystems, evolution, and climate resilience.
All confirmed species will be cataloged in the Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform, a free database designed to support global conservation and research efforts. This ongoing work reminds us that many secrets of our planet’s life are still hidden in the ocean’s depths, waiting to be uncovered.
For more on this exciting work, check out Oceanographic Newsroom.
