Scientists uncover 57 new species lurking in the South Atlantic

Key Points:

• Scientists in Argentina discovered 57 new marine species and five new genera during a two-week International Species Discovery Workshop in the South Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.
• The workshop involved 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from Latin America and Europe, who used remotely operated vehicles and integrated taxonomic techniques to identify deep-sea specimens.
• Notable discoveries included Loki the sea cucumber, named for its horned appendages, along with new species of copepods, corals, sea pens, and other deep-sea fauna.
• The findings were logged on Ocean Census NOVA, the first open-access platform for newly discovered marine species, promoting global accessibility and collaboration in taxonomy.
• Encouraged by the success, the team plans a follow-up expedition in early 2027 to explore a different submarine canyon, aiming to uncover more new species and expand knowledge of marine biodiversity.