Dozens of new marine life found in Bermuda's subsea 'twilight zone'
BERMUDA — Marine scientists have discovered over 100 new species in waters surrounding Bermuda.
The Nekton project team used special equipment including submersibles, as well as technical divers and remotely operated vehicles.
The depth region they looked at is known as the raritrophic zone. Only low amounts of sunlight reach this deep. Some media have dubbed it Bermuda's "twilight zone".
Last year researchers sighted a lionfish at a depth of 302m. That's said to be the deepest observed. In another study scientists also detailed a new kind of black coral fauna called Stichopathes poutalesi. This tree-like coral was sighted at 300m deep.
Oxford University Biology Professor and Director of the Nekton project Alex Rogers said the discoveries are, "evidence of how little we know and how important it is to document this unknown frontier to ensure that its future is protected."
The Nekton project team used special equipment including submersibles, as well as technical divers and remotely operated vehicles.
The depth region they looked at is known as the raritrophic zone. Only low amounts of sunlight reach this deep. Some media have dubbed it Bermuda's "twilight zone".
Last year researchers sighted a lionfish at a depth of 302m. That's said to be the deepest observed. In another study scientists also detailed a new kind of black coral fauna called Stichopathes poutalesi. This tree-like coral was sighted at 300m deep.
Oxford University Biology Professor and Director of the Nekton project Alex Rogers said the discoveries are, "evidence of how little we know and how important it is to document this unknown frontier to ensure that its future is protected."
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