An international research team led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute has discovered four massive underwater mountains and over 100 potentially new marine species off the coast of Chile. The expedition utilized advanced mapping and robotic technology to explore the Nazca and Juan Fernández Ridge, revealing vibrant deep-sea ecosystems previously unknown to science.
TLDR: Researchers exploring the deep waters off Chile have identified four massive seamounts and more than 100 previously unknown species. Using the research vessel Falkor (too), the team mapped 52,800 square kilometers of seafloor, uncovering unique coral gardens and sponge forests that highlight the urgent need for marine conservation.
An international team of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, recently concluded a groundbreaking deep-sea expedition aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s state-of-the-art research vessel, Falkor (too). This mission focused on the Nazca and Juan Fernández Ridge, a series of underwater mountain chains stretching across the southeastern Pacific. The expedition’s findings have sent ripples through the scientific community, revealing four massive, previously unmapped seamounts and over 100 potentially new marine species. These discoveries highlight the vast, unexplored frontiers of our planet’s oceans and the critical need for continued exploration and protection of deep-sea ecosystems.
The expedition utilized advanced multibeam sonar systems to map approximately 52,800 square kilometers of the seafloor. This high-resolution mapping revealed four significant underwater peaks, the largest of which towers 3,530 meters above the ocean floor. To put this in perspective, this seamount is taller than many significant terrestrial mountains, yet it remained hidden beneath the waves until this mission. These seamounts are not just geological curiosities; they serve as essential “islands” of biodiversity in the open ocean, providing hard substrates for corals and sponges to anchor in an otherwise sediment-heavy environment.
To explore these vertical landscapes, the team deployed the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian. Diving to depths ranging from 800 to 4,500 meters, SuBastian captured high-definition footage of environments that have never been seen by human eyes. The biological diversity encountered was staggering. Preliminary assessments suggest that the team has identified more than 100 species new to science, including various types of deep-sea corals, glass sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, and squat lobsters. Each seamount appeared to host a unique community; some were draped in spiraling coral gardens that looked like underwater forests, while others were dominated by dense thickets of ancient glass sponges.
Among the most spectacular finds was a rare sighting of a Whiplash Squid, a creature seldom seen in its natural habitat. The researchers also documented several species of deep-sea fish, such as the “walking” sea toad, which had never been filmed alive before. One particular coral specimen caught the attention of the team as it likely represents an entirely new genus. These observations are crucial because they challenge existing models of deep-sea species distribution and suggest that the Nazca and Juan Fernández Ridge may be one of the most biodiverse regions in the global ocean.
The data collected during this 52-day voyage is vital for international conservation efforts. Currently, two of the explored seamounts are located within the Juan Fernández and Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Parks, which are protected by the Chilean government. However, the other two seamounts and much of the surrounding ridge lie in international waters. These areas are now primary candidates for protection under the recently adopted United Nations High Seas Treaty, which aims to establish marine protected areas in waters beyond national jurisdiction. This is a key component of the global “30 by 30” initiative, which seeks to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and sea by 2030.
Back on land, the work is far from over. The biological samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) collected during the dives are undergoing rigorous analysis in laboratories worldwide. Scientists are using genetic sequencing and morphological comparisons to formally describe the new species—a process that can take years of meticulous study. Furthermore, the expedition’s findings provide a critical baseline for the health of these ecosystems. As the threat of deep-sea mining looms on the horizon, having a detailed record of these fragile habitats is essential for advocating for their preservation and ensuring the long-term stability of the ocean’s ecological balance.
Mason Reed serves as a Staff Writer for Just Right News, where he spearheads the Future Frontiers & Special Projects desk. In an era defined by rapid technological shifts and evolving social landscapes, Mason provides a steady, principled voice, examining the innovations of tomorrow through the lens of traditional American values. His work is most prominently featured in his signature series, “The Next Horizon,” where he explores the intersection of emerging technology, national sovereignty, and the preservation of individual liberty.
A native of San Diego, California, Mason’s worldview was shaped by the unique culture of his hometown. Growing up in a region defined by its strong military presence and its history of maritime industry, he developed a deep-seated respect for the institutions that provide national stability and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the American economy. This upbringing instilled in him a belief that true progress is not found in discarding the past, but in building upon a foundation of proven principles. His reporting often reflects this San Diego influence, emphasizing the importance of a robust national defense and the necessity of maintaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Now based in San Francisco, Mason operates from the heart of the world’s technological engine. Living and working in the Bay Area provides him with a front-row seat to the advancements—and the ideological challenges—emanating from Silicon Valley. While many in the region embrace a “move fast and break things” mentality, Mason’s reporting serves as a vital counterweight. He offers Just Right News readers a “boots on the ground” perspective, documenting how radical local policies and the concentration of tech power impact the everyday lives of citizens. His proximity to the industry allows him to cut through the marketing jargon of big tech to uncover the real-world implications for privacy, free speech, and the nuclear family.
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