‘One of the ocean’s best-kept secrets’ spotted near Massachusetts

Key Points:

• Aerial surveyors from the New England Aquarium observed over 2,000 animals from 15 marine species in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, including the rare Chilean devil rays.
• Chilean devil rays are large, olive-green or brown fish with wingspans of 11 to 12.5 feet, weighing between 715 and 1,100 pounds, and are classified as Critically Endangered due to by-catch and overfishing.
• These rays are difficult to study because they travel long distances, are mostly solitary, and inhabit offshore waters, but they are notable for being the deepest diving ray species, reaching depths of nearly 6,000 feet.
• Their ability to dive deep is supported by a specialized network of blood vessels that keeps their brains warm in cold, deep waters.
• The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts area supports diverse marine life due to its deep sea canyons and productive waters, attracting seasonal visitors like the Chilean devil rays during summer months.