Deep Impact

NEW OCEAN SPECIES COULD HAVE HUGE RIPPLE EFFECT

Researchers from the Natural History Museum have discovered over 30 potential new sea species, in one of the least explored regions of the world. Using a remotely operated vehicle to collect the creatures (from starfish to sea cucumbers) from the depths of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the central Pacific, and bring them to the surface, has enabled scientists study them close-up for the very first time. Now they have the specimens and their DNA rather than just photographs.

Dr Adrian Glover, who leads the Museum's Deep Sea Research Group, said, "We know that small millimetre-sized animals called macrofauna are extremely biodiverse in the abyss. However, we have never really had much information on the larger animals we call megafauna, as so few samples have been collected. This study is the first to suggest that diversity may be very high in these groups as well."

There is currently huge international interest in the Clarion- Clipperton Zone (which is around 5,500 metres at its deepest) because of its 'abyssal plains' which are covered in nodules that are rich in metals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper. These are all required in 'green' energy technologies such as wind turbines and electric cars, so some argue that instead of impacting the land it would be better to mine them from the sea - but it could cause irreparable damage to seafloor ecosystems.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is therefore a focus of scientific research to evaluate the impacts of seabed mining on this environment, which is remote and difficult to research. It's thought that the recent species found, represent just a fraction of those still undiscovered in the ocean depths, which scientists are rushing to understand.

The Natural History Museum, whose work was made possible due to grants from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reported that overall the ROV collected evidence of 48 different species, of which only nine are currently known to science. They believe 39 may be new species, but due to lack of previous sampling it's difficult to assess. However, they intend to continue building up a picture of the deep sea to inform important future decisions around green technology.

"Whilst deep sea mining is a very valid environmental concern, we are in a very positive situation where we have been able to conduct a lot of fundamental research while the industry is held back from full-scale exploitation," Adrian said. "This is very different to what has happened in the past with other ocean resources, such as fisheries."

"A big societal decision with regard deep sea mining is on the horizon and our role is to provide as much data as we can to inform that decision as best we can."

Photographs: DeepCCZ expedition, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation & NOAA