Scientists Find Pristine Ecosystems on High-Seas Seamounts

Deep-sea coral reefs, sponge gardens, and the deepest photosynthesizing coral in the world found along the Salas y Gómez Ridge Video and photos are available here ANTOFAGASTA, Chile –  An international team of scientists observed 160 species on the Salas y Gómez Ridge that had not yet been known to live in the region and … Continued

Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile’s Coast

An international team explores vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems and sees more than 100 species never-before observed by scientists. Video and photos available here. VALPARAISO, Chile – An international group of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, may have discovered more than 100 new species living on seamounts off the coast … Continued

 Scientists Discover Four New Species of Deep-Sea Octopus

Unexpected octopus diversity found in Costa Rica’s deep sea, along with a new deep-sea skate nursery. Video and photos available here. Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) have discovered at least four new deep-sea octopus species in a 100-square-mile-sized area off Costa Rica.  The international science team discovered the … Continued

Scientists Locate New Hydrothermal Vent Field Using State-of-the-Art Mapping Technology

Scientists utilize high-resolution mapping technologies to find new hydrothermal vents inside the Galápagos Marine Reserve, as well as 15 species not previously known to live within the region. Video and photos available here. PUERTO AYORA,  Ecuador– An international research team aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too), have discovered a new high-temperature hydrothermal vent … Continued

Massive New Seamount Discovered in International Waters Off Guatemala

Underwater mapping leads to discovery of seamount two times taller than Burj Khalifa Images available here Los Angeles, CA – Seafloor mapping during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition has revealed an underwater mountain twice as high as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in international waters off Guatemala. The 1,600-meter (5,249-foot) seamount covers 14 … Continued

Scientists Discover Healthy Deep-Sea Coral Reef and New Seamounts in the Galápagos

Stunning 800-meter long coral reef discovered with Schmidt Ocean Institute’s underwater robot off Galápagos Islands Video and photos available here. Puerto Ayora, Ecuador– Scientists examining underwater cliff ecosystems onboard research vessel Falkor (too) using the 4,500 meter robot, ROV SuBastian, have discovered two pristine coral reefs in the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands. These newly … Continued

Squat Lobsters Guide Scientists To New Hydrothermal Vent Field

After 43 hours of searching, international science team discovers new hydrothermal vent field off the Western Galápagos Video and photos available here. Puerto Ayora, Ecuador– Scientists on a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition have discovered a new hydrothermal vent field larger than a professional soccer field. The vent field found in the Pacific Ocean off the … Continued

Scientists Discover New Ecosystem Underneath Hydrothermal Vents

International science team discovers deep-sea habitats, evidence of hydrothermal animals, in volcanic cavities beneath the ocean floor  Video and photos available here. Balboa, Panama – A new ecosystem has been discovered in volcanic cavities beneath hydrothermal vents at a well-studied undersea volcano on the East Pacific Rise off Central America. The landmark 30-day expedition aboard … Continued