Scientists have identified 1,121 new marine species in a single year as part of a major global effort to better understand and protect the world’s oceans.
Among the species identified was a new “ghost shark” chimaera discovered in the Coral Sea Marine Park off Australia. The deep-sea species belongs to an ancient evolutionary group dating back nearly 400 million years.
Researchers also discovered a symbiotic worm living inside a glass sponge on a volcanic seamount near Japan.
The discoveries were made through the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world’s largest mission focused on accelerating ocean species discovery.
Researchers carried out 13 expeditions across remote marine regions in partnership with organisations including JAMSTEC, CSIRO and Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The findings underline the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable marine management at a time when climate change, pollution and habitat loss are placing increasing pressure on marine ecosystems.
Scientists estimate that up to 90% of ocean species remain undiscovered, limiting understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Dr Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at Ocean Census, said: “With many species at risk of disappearing before they are even documented, we are in a race against time to understand and protect ocean life.”
She added: “By accelerating discovery and sharing data globally, we are not just finding new life, but generating the evidence needed to drive global science and policy at a critical moment.”
The project aims to improve scientific understanding of marine ecosystems, helping policymakers develop stronger conservation strategies and more sustainable ocean management practices.
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