Overview
- The confirmed tally was validated at the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop at Universidad de Magallanes in Punta Arenas, Chile.
- Researchers say they have assessed under 30% of collected material so far, indicating additional species identifications are likely as analysis continues.
- Nearly 2,000 specimens across 14 animal groups were gathered during Schmidt Ocean Institute R/V Falkor (too) missions around the South Sandwich Islands.
- High-definition dives documented rarely seen habitats and produced the first confirmed footage of a juvenile colossal squid.
- Discoveries span iridescent scale worms, previously unknown sea stars, new isopods and amphipods, and rare gastropods and bivalves, with potential black corals and a new sea pen genus under review.