Researchers have discovered hundreds of previously unknown deep-sea species, giving the scientific community a better understanding of undersea life.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution found 4,350 wildlife specimens on the seafloor. Of these, approximately 3,826 could be identified out of 788 known species, meaning that more than 500 specimens of potentially new species were discovered.
With a more comprehensive catalog of seafloor flora and fauna, researchers can better understand how to protect this ecosystem.
The study was designed in part to collect data on the impact of deep-sea metal mining on wildlife.
The scientists conducted research 4,000 meters below the surface of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area of water between Hawaii and Mexico. The region is home to key minerals such as nickel and cobalt, which are used in green technology, including the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.
“It is important now to try to predict the risks of biodiversity loss due to mining,” senior author Adrian Glover of the Natural History Museum in London said in a press release.
“This requires us to survey the biodiversity of 30 percent of the Clarion-Clipperton District’s protected areas. Currently, we know almost nothing about what lives there,” Glover added.
When we better understand what happens after industrial projects, we can better address how to extract necessary materials from the environment more responsibly.
In some cases, this information can lead to the complete cessation of harmful practices. This helps combat biodiversity loss, which negatively impacts our food supply, natural regulatory processes and more.
The discovery of new species shows what healthy marine ecosystems look like, and what prevents these environments from thriving.
Researchers have observed a 37% drop in animal numbers on roads near mining operations in the Clarion-Clipperton District. This research can help industry understand how to prevent further disruption.
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