‘Ghost Shark’ and ‘Death Ball’ Among Over 1,000 New Ocean Species Discovered by Scientists

A recent expedition led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census has resulted in the discovery of over 1,100 previously unknown marine species, including intriguing creatures such as “ghost sharks” and a carnivorous organism dubbed the “death ball.” The mission, which aims to document a total of 100,000 ocean species, revealed the startling statistic that approximately 90% of ocean life remains undiscovered.

On May 19, the Ocean Census team announced their findings, which involved exploring previously uncharted depths of the ocean, reaching an impressive 21,571 feet. During their explorations, researchers were able to identify 1,121 new living beings. Among this diverse collection were various forms of coral, crabs, sea urchins, and other marine life, reflecting the immense biodiversity present beneath the waves.

One of the highlights of this expedition was the discovery of the “ghost shark,” scientifically known as chimaera. This unique creature was located in the Coral Sea Marine Park, situated off Queensland’s coast, at depths between 2,631 and 2,749 feet. Ghost sharks are considered some of the ocean’s most enigmatic inhabitants, having branched off from sharks and rays nearly 400 million years ago, even before the age of dinosaurs. Unfortunately, the release from the Census highlighted a concerning statistic—more than a third of existing sharks, rays, and chimaeras now face the threat of extinction.

Dr. Michelle Taylor, the Head of Science at Ocean Census, emphasised the urgency of these discoveries. “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 warned. Dr. Taylor went on to explain that for far too long, countless species have existed in a state of scientific uncertainty due to the slow pace of discovery. The current mission aims to break through this bottleneck and accelerate the identification of new marine life.

Another fascinating discovery was that of a symbiotic bristle worm found on the volcanic Shichiyo Seamount Chain in Japan, dwelling within what is described as a “glass castle.” This structure is a complex network formed by a glass sponge, an organism that utilises crystalline silica to construct its framework. The depths at which this worm was located were recorded at approximately 2,595 feet.

In an exciting find in Timor-Leste, scientists discovered a ribbon worm characterised by its striking orange hue. Measuring less than 3 cm in length, these ribbon worms may utilise their vibrant pigmentation as a visual deterrent to potential predators. Interestingly, the unique toxins present in these organisms are currently being researched for their potential applications in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, highlighting the beneficial possibilities that lie within the ocean’s depths.

Even more remarkable was the identification of the “death ball” sponge found in the South Sandwich Islands, nestled in the Atlantic Ocean. Discovered at a staggering depth of nearly 12,000 feet, this carnivorous sponge features a surface lined with tiny, velcro-like hooks that function effectively to ensnare unsuspecting crustaceans as they drift past. The sponge then engulfs and digests its prey, demonstrating a highly specialised method of survival in the deep.

The goal of the Ocean Census project is ambitious but vital—its aim is to ultimately document 100,000 marine species. The initiative reflects the growing understanding that much of the ocean’s biodiversity remains hidden from scientific knowledge, as indicated by studies suggesting that up to 90% of oceanic species are yet to be discovered.

The importance of these discoveries extends far beyond mere classification; they provide critical insights into the complex ecosystems that sustain marine life. Through initiatives like the Ocean Census, researchers hope to shine a light on these previously unknown species and address the urgent need for their conservation in the face of environmental threats.

As exploration continues and more secrets of the ocean are revealed, the potential for new scientific advancements remains immense, fuelled by the remarkable adaptations and chemical properties found within these newly identified species. The quest to uncover the mysteries of the deep ocean is ongoing, and each new discovery broadens our understanding of the vital role marine ecosystems play in the overall health of our planet.