Latest news with #LucyWoodall
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover hundreds of unknown ocean species in historic expedition: 'We are laying the groundwork'
Scientists have discovered 866 new marine species, including a guitar shark, a deep-sea mollusk with cancer treatment potential, and the first octocoral found in the Maldives, Oceanographic Magazine reported. The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census looks to change how scientists identify new marine species by speeding up the process. This discovery marks a "significant step" in advancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity. Traditional methods can take up to 14 years, but this international collaborative effort of 800 scientists from over 400 institutions is changing the approach. Many species go extinct before they're documented. The mission's executive director explained that while oceans cover 71% of our planet, only about 10% of marine life has been discovered. By accelerating identification, scientists can better protect these species. Some of these discoveries might directly benefit your health. The newly found deep-sea mollusk produces peptides with potential applications in pain relief and cancer treatment. You can now access this information through the newly launched Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform. The public database was developed with the U.N. Environment Programme and showcases species found at depths ranging from one to nearly 5,000 meters. The mission has conducted 10 global expeditions and has hosted eight Species Discovery Workshops. They've found new species of sharks, sea butterflies, mud dragons, bamboo corals, water bears, shrimp, crabs, reef fish, and many more creatures from dozens of taxonomic groups. "Every new species — whether a shark or a sponge — deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet," said professor Lucy Woodall, head of science at Ocean Census. Oliver Steeds, director of Ocean Census, added: "Our estimates suggest that discovering 100,000 new species could require at least $1 billion. We are laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality." The team plans to provide more Species Discovery Awards, undertake 10 new expeditions, and host additional workshops across the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans in the coming year. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
The largest global mission to discover ocean life has found over 800 new marine species, including a new guitar-shaped shark species. The discoveries were from the efforts of the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world's largest collaborative of over 800 scientists across 400 institutions to accelerate the discovery of new marine life. The identification and official registration of a new species can take over 13 years, which means some species may go extinct before being documented. Scientists say new reforms can speed up the process. "Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow," said Prof. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Ocean Census. "We urgently need to change that and adding the Species Discovery step gives us a way to rapidly start the process." One of the more unique discoveries is the "Guitar shark" – a shark species that resembles a guitar-like figure. It was identified at a depth of 600 feet (200 meters) off the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania by world-renowned shark expert David Ebert. This is only the 38th known guitar shark species discovered worldwide. Two-thirds of the species are threatened due to such low numbers. Massive Great White Shark Among Several Being Tracked Off Florida Coast As Spring Break Begins Additional new species such as shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, sponge, shrimp, crab, reef fish, squat lobster, pipehorse, limpet, hooded shrimp, sea spiders, and brittle stars have been discovered/registered. All told, the census announced the discovery of 866 new marine species. To make these new discoveries, officials say all resources must be used wisely while observing these deep sea creatures. Using divers, submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), new species can be discovered from depths as deep as 1 to 16,400 feet. "The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented," said Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno of The Nippon Foundation. "These latest findings demonstrate how international collaboration can advance our understanding of ocean biodiversity."Original article source: See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
