The ocean is a vast, mysterious world. Scientists have only scratched the surface of what lies beneath. Recently, a global team of researchers made an astonishing discovery. They found 866 new marine species. These species include a guitar-shaped shark, a fan-like coral, and a venomous deep-sea snail with harpoon-like teeth. The discoveries were made during 10 ocean expeditions. These expeditions used divers, piloted submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles.

        The project aims to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of the ocean depths. Scientists estimate that only 10% of marine species have been discovered. This means there is still a lot to learn about the ocean. The discoveries were made at depths ranging from 3 feet to 3. 1 miles. The species were identified over a 16-month period. The team of scientists involved in the Ocean Census Science Network includes more than 800 scientists from 400 institutions.

        One of the most remarkable finds was a new species of octocoral. This coral has eight tentacles and is found in the Maldives. It is softer and more flexible than other coral species. Another exciting discovery was a guitar shark. This shark belongs to a genus known as Rhinobatos. It was found off the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania. Its shape is distinctive, and the animal displays characteristics of both sharks and rays. The guitar shark is a rare find, as shark species are dropping dramatically in every ocean of the world.

        The team also found a venomous sea snail named Turridrupa magnifica. These deep-sea snails inject toxins into their prey with their unusual teeth. Bioactive compounds in the venom of related species have contributed to medical advancements, including pain treatments. The team also found a limpet and a sea star in polar waters at a depth of 10, 000 feet in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Creatures there thrive in an environment of extreme variation in temperature.

        New technology is making the identification of new marine species quicker and easier. However, scientists still rely on collecting physical specimens for confirmation. This can be slow work. Scientifically describing a new species can take several years. Many of the previously unknown organisms revealed by Ocean Census have not yet been formally named. A key goal of the alliance is to accelerate the pace of discovery. When it launched, the scientists involved with the project said they aimed to identify 100, 000 new species over 10 years.

        The ocean is facing some extraordinary challenges. If we want to start understanding biodiversity, connectivity, the biogeography and potential loss, like how this changing climate is going to impact our marine environment, we do have to start finding quicker ways. The discoveries made by the Ocean Census team are a step in the right direction. They show that there is still so much to learn about the ocean. The team's work is important for understanding the ocean's biodiversity and for protecting marine life.

Deep Sea Discoveries: 866 New Marine Species Found

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