Scientists discover 57 new deep-sea species in Argentina’s Mar del Plata Canyon
An international scientific expedition in Argentina's Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon has discovered 57 new marine species. The findings include a unique translucent sea cucumber nicknamed 'Loki' found at extreme depths.
Why it matters
These discoveries significantly expand our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity and the ecological importance of submarine canyons.
A deep-sea expedition off the coast of Argentina has yielded a remarkable scientific harvest. After analysing samples collected in the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, an international team confirmed the discovery of 57 new marine species and five new genera in just two weeks of intensive work. Among the most eye-catching finds is a translucent sea cucumber with horn-like appendages that researchers nicknamed Loki, a nod to the horned Norse god, according to reports from Ocean Census and Oceanographic Magazine.A canyon that hides a world of lifeThe Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon is a vast underwater valley that cuts into the continental slope off Argentina’s Atlantic coast. Such canyons act as conduits for nutrients and organic material, creating rich habitats for diverse deep-sea communities.
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