In a decade-long exploration of Costa Rica’s methane seeps, researchers identified 488 distinct deep-sea species, including 58 entirely new to science. This highest biodiversity count was documented over five expeditions and led by an international team. The findings were published in ZooKeys, enhancing our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and the potential for further discoveries in unexplored regions.
A recent study has revealed the discovery of 488 distinct deep-sea species in the methane seeps located off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, marking the highest biodiversity count ever documented in a single seep or vent region. The research, which took place over a decade, was conducted by an international team of marine biologists leading to the identification of at least 58 species completely new to science.
This comprehensive catalogue of deep-sea biodiversity was published in the journal ZooKeys and is primarily focused on invertebrates. The research involved five expeditions and 63 submersible dives conducted between 2009 and 2019. Despite the extensive findings, only 131 of the species had been previously described, implying that 299 may still represent undescribed species with “taxonomic uncertainty.”
The project was spearheaded by UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica and its Museum of Zoology. Over ten years, 28 authors from 22 research organizations globally contributed to the endeavor, aiming to deepen the understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and overall biodiversity.
Further supporting this area of study, the Schmidt Ocean Institute conducted expeditions that uncovered additional species, including a treasure trove of marine life in unexplored regions. Their research in new methane seeps off Chile yielded a potential 60 new species, emphasizing the rate at which new discoveries are emerging from these ecosystems.
Methane seeps function as chemosynthetic environments, where methane from the seafloor sustains microbial life that in turn supports various species. Prior explorations indicated the presence of seeps in Chile, although many sites were not comprehensively surveyed before. The published study contributes critical new data to what is now acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot.
Charlotte Seid, the lead author and senior museum scientist at Scripps, stated, “We hope this information-rich, freely available resource will strengthen deep-sea biodiversity research, education, and conservation.” This study has the potential to propel further comprehensive assessments of deep-sea biodiversity worldwide.
The research encompassed depths ranging from 400 to 3,800 meters, showcasing diverse geological features such as mounds and faults. Findings included various animals that are not primarily reliant on chemosynthetic symbionts, such as limpets, snails, crabs, corals, and fish. Funding for the study was largely provided by the National Science Foundation and the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The study conducted off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast unveils significant biodiversity with 488 deep-sea species identified, including 58 new records for science. Fueled by collaborative research efforts and substantial financial support, this endeavor not only enriches scientific knowledge but also serves as a foundational resource for future studies in deep-sea ecosystems. The findings underscore the critical role that methane seeps play in global biodiversity.
Original Source: oceanographicmagazine.com
