Scientists find nine new sponge species in glimpse of Alaska’s deep-sea diversity
Scientists have discovered nine new species of deep-sea sponges off the coast of Alaska, highlighting the region's rich but under-researched marine biodiversity. The discovery underscores the ecological importance of sponges as habitat-builders, while raising concerns about the impact of bottom trawling and potential seafloor mining.
Why it matters
These findings emphasize the need for conservation in deep-sea environments that are increasingly threatened by industrial activities.
Deep-sea sponges and other invertebrates collected during a bottom-trawl survey. Photograph: Noaa Fisheries Deep-sea sponges and other invertebrates collected during a bottom-trawl survey. Photograph: Noaa Fisheries Alaska Scientists find nine new sponge species in glimpse of Alaska’s deep-sea diversity But their habitat is threatened by bottom trawling in the region and Trump’s plan to expand seafloor mining
Prefer the Guardian on Google Scientists have discovered nine new deep-sea sponge species off Alaska , offering new insights into the region’s largely unexplored marine biodiversity.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) announced the discovery on Thursday, saying the species were found in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The findings bring the total number of known sponge species in Alaska to 232.
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