In a significant scientific milestone, a recent workshop in Buenos Aires has led to the discovery of 57 new marine species and five new genera, all collected from the depths of Argentina’s Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon. This effort was part of a two-week Species Discovery Workshop, which unfolded under the auspices of the Schmidt Ocean Institute in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census. The event brought together 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from across Europe and Latin America to delve into the rich biodiversity of this lesser-known yet vital ecosystem.
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The findings were particularly remarkable given the short duration of the workshop, showcasing the efficacy of collaborative efforts in marine taxonomy. “Discovering 57 new species and five new genera in just two weeks demonstrates the speed and power of collaborative taxonomy,” noted Michelle Taylor, head of science at Ocean Census. “The deep sea holds some of the least understood ecosystems on Earth.”
To gather the samples for study, researchers relied on a previous underwater exploration conducted in July and August 2025 aboard the research vessel Falkor (too). This expedition utilised the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian to reach depths exceeding 3,500 metres—nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. This unique environment, located at the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence, is characterised by a mingling of warm subtropical currents and cold, nutrient-rich sub-Antarctic waters.
Leading the research efforts were scientists from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), who meticulously documented their findings using Ocean Census NOVA. This platform is acknowledged as the world’s first open-access data repository for newly discovered marine species. In addition to digital documentation, the physical specimens are slated for preservation in national collections, including the prestigious Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” in Buenos Aires.
Among the standout discoveries is the intriguing “Loki the Sea Cucumber,” which takes its name from the Norse trickster god due to its striking horn-like appendages. This new species represents a member of the genus Peniagone and was found at a depth of 2,577 metres. Its identification is part of a broader collection, which includes up to 10 new varieties of sea cucumbers that the workshop detailed.
The discoveries encompass an impressive variety of marine life: 20 new species of copepods, 22 echinoderms, which include both sea cucumbers and feathery crinoids, as well as 14 different cnidarians, which feature octocorals, sea pens, and stony corals. Notably, every copepod specimen encountered during these findings has been confirmed as new to science. Among the corals, there are hints of potential new genera and even a new family that are currently under further genetic analysis.
The significance of these findings has not gone unnoticed, with over 4 million viewers tuning into portions of the Mar del Plata Canyon expedition via livestream. Such public interest underscores the crucial role that educational outreach plays in marine research.
Looking ahead, the Schmidt Ocean Institute has announced plans for a follow-up expedition, set to take place in early 2027. This upcoming mission intends to explore a different submarine canyon within Argentine waters, believed to be rich in endemic species that could reveal further biodiversity unique to the region.
As research continues in this fascinating and often overlooked environment, scientists remain hopeful that the depths of Argentina’s submarine canyons will yield even more discoveries, illuminating the wonders of marine life and contributing to our understanding of oceanic ecosystems.