July 01, 2023
Approximately 5,000 new marine species were discovered by scientists in an area off the Pacific Ocean that is set to be mined in the future. Called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, this region between Hawaii and Mexico is rich in minerals. The area was studied by researchers before deep-sea mining activities begin to understand the impact of the activities on the ecosystem. Researchers sent remote-controlled vehicles to the ocean floor for the study. According to scientists, around 88% to 92% of the 5,578 species identified had never been seen before. The newly discovered creatures include sea cucumbers, worms and a creature with a big tail and jelly-like resemblance nicknamed the ‘gummy squirrel’.
Did You Know?
There are more than 2,00,000 known marine species.
Sea Cucumber
ACTIVITY: Name Your Animals
If you were to discover 1 new species in each of the following categories, what unique name would you give it?
