Deep-Sea Expedition Uncovers 20 Suspected New Species and 25 Cold Seeps Off Trinidad and Tobago
A deep-sea expedition conducted off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago has led to the discovery of 20 suspected new marine species and at least 54 species previously unobserved in the nation's waters. The discoveries include an octopus, various corals, carnivorous sponges, and squat lobsters. Researchers also identified 25 never-before-seen cold seep ecosystems, which are areas on the ocean floor where methane and hydrogen sulfide leak from the sediment, fostering unique chemosynthetic communities. The largest of these cold seeps spans approximately half an acre and is teeming with mussels and tubeworms. The month-long expedition, the first locally led deep-sea survey in Trinidad and Tobago's history, mapped over 11,335 square kilometers of uncharted seafloor. The team utilized the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV), SuBastian, to capture footage and collect over 700 specimens for analysis. These specimens, including deep-water sponges, corals, and sea cucumbers, were cryopreserved to ... 
