Scientists explore seamounts in Phoenix Islands Archipelago, gain insights into deep water diversity

Schmidt Ocean Institute's underwater robot SuBastian also captured footage for the first time of a rare whale shark, a deep water species that dates back millions of years and whose name comes from its length of more than 40 feet. Credit - Schmidt Ocean Institute
July 13, 2021
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Marine scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor have identified likely new marine species and deep sea organisms on nine seamounts that were explored for the first time in the remote Phoenix Islands Archipelago. In a 34-day expedition that ended today, scientists also conducted high-resolution seafloor mapping of more than 30,000 square kilometers and video exploration of five additional seamounts.

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marine protected areas
marine biodiversity
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