Researchers Identify 149 New Marine Species Near Christmas and Cocos Islands
Scientists catalogued at least 149 previously unknown marine species from deep waters around the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Specimens were collected during two voyages in 2021 and 2022 aboard the research vessel Investigator.
Researchers have identified at least 149 new marine species from waters surrounding the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, nearly 3,000 kilometres north-west of Perth. The animals were collected from 22 seamounts during voyages in 2021 and 2022 aboard the 94-metre oceanographic vessel Investigator.
Scientists from Museums Victoria, CSIRO and Australian Museum gathered more than 1,000 specimens. The findings, published this week, include sea stars, worms and sea cucumbers found at depths reaching 5,000 metres.
One newly described species, the annelid worm Bathyvermilioides juliebrocka, was collected at approximately 4,990 metres. The millimetre-long animal extends a feather-like tentacle from a hard calcium carbonate tube. Researchers noted the presence of both unique and widespread species across the seamounts, which they described as ecological stepping stones rather than isolated habitats.
Australia acting director Allyn White said the data provide a baseline record of species present when the marine parks were established. The information will allow future comparisons to detect environmental changes. More than 400 additional collected species remain to be described.
The findings are intended to support management of the remote marine parks amid pressures such as overfishing and climate change.
