Scientists discover new critters on ocean floor
Posted Jul 29, 2010 05:41:26 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some mysterious creatures have been discovered roaming the seas near the Grand Banks.
The previously unknown deep-sea species were discovered by a team of researchers from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Quebec.
They returned to Halifax Wednesday with a number of specimens collected during their month-long expedition.
Chief scientist Andrew Cogswell tells CTV discovering the new breeds of sponges, corals, and invertebrates is thrilling.
“When you finally get down there and you see the ocean bottom and all the creatures that are there, it’s almost a feeling of euphoria,” he said.
Information gained from the mission will help scientists advise fishery managers on which areas are most in need of protection, and how best to protect them.
Evan Edinger says discovering the wealth of life in the deep sea areas shows they can’t be overlooked – and could make it easier to get funding for future expeditions.
“Nobody has studied the deep-water areas because they were too hard to get to,” he said. “Well, now we can say, ‘Yes, they’re important.'”
Scientists used a remotely operated vehicle to explore the ocean at depths of up to 3000 metres.
