Armored worms and death-ball sponges among array of life newly documented from the deep sea – Mongabay

Report on Southern Ocean Expedition and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent deep-sea expedition to the Southern Ocean has resulted in the discovery of 30 previously unknown species, providing critical data that directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The findings underscore the vast knowledge gap in marine biodiversity, as an estimated 90% of ocean life remains uncataloged. This report details the expedition’s findings and analyzes their significance for global sustainability frameworks, including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Expedition Overview and Key Scientific Findings

A 35-day collaborative voyage explored one of the planet’s most inaccessible regions at depths of up to 700 meters. The expedition documented new ecosystems and collected nearly 2,000 specimens, leading to significant scientific breakthroughs.

Collaborative Framework and Alignment with SDG 17

This initiative exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its multi-stakeholder collaboration. Key partners included:

• The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census
• Schmidt Ocean Institute
• The GoSouth consortium (University of Plymouth, British Antarctic Survey, GEOMAR)
• Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Major Discoveries

The expedition yielded a remarkable array of findings that advance our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

1. Identification of New Species: At least 30 species new to science were confirmed, with analysis ongoing. Notable discoveries include a carnivorous “death-ball” sponge, “zombie worms” that digest whale bones, new sea stars across multiple families, and novel crustaceans.
2. Ecosystem Documentation: Researchers documented previously unknown hydrothermal vents, vibrant deep-sea coral gardens, and evidence of undersea volcanism. These findings provide baseline data for unique ecosystems supported by chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
3. Landmark Observation: The first-ever live footage of a juvenile colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) was recorded in its natural habitat, offering unprecedented insight into one of the ocean’s most enigmatic creatures.

Direct Contributions to SDG 14: Life Below Water

The expedition’s outcomes are fundamentally aligned with the objectives of SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Target 14.a: Increase Scientific Knowledge

• The discovery of new species and ecosystems directly addresses the critical need to increase scientific knowledge of the marine environment. Cataloging this biodiversity is the first step toward its protection and sustainable management.
• The Ocean Census model, which couples fieldwork with rapid, on-site genetic analysis and taxonomic workshops, demonstrates an innovative approach (SDG 9) to accelerating the process of species identification from a decade to a much shorter timeframe.

Targets 14.2 & 14.5: Protect Marine Ecosystems and Conserve Marine Areas

• The data collected serves as an essential baseline for implementing the UN Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
• Identifying unique habitats like coral gardens and hydrothermal vents helps prioritize areas for conservation and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), contributing directly to the goal of protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Broader Implications for Global Sustainability

Beyond SDG 14, the expedition’s work has relevance for other global goals.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The Southern Ocean is a critical component of the global climate system, playing a major role in carbon storage and ocean circulation. Understanding its biodiversity and ecosystem functions is essential for modeling and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The mission utilized advanced technologies, including the research vessel Falkor (too) and the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian. This application of scientific innovation is crucial for overcoming the challenges of deep-sea exploration and supports the goal of fostering technological advancement.

Conclusion

The Southern Ocean expedition has made a profound contribution to marine science and global conservation efforts. By discovering new life and mapping uncharted ecosystems, the initiative provides invaluable data for policymakers and scientists working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The accelerated discovery of ocean life is not merely a scientific pursuit but an essential action for the public good, ensuring that marine biodiversity is documented and protected for future generations. All findings are being made available on the open-access Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform to support global research and conservation policy.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The article’s core focus is on marine biodiversity and exploration of deep-sea ecosystems. The discovery of “30 previously unknown species,” documentation of “vibrant coral gardens,” and the first-ever filming of a live colossal squid directly contribute to understanding and protecting life below water.
• It highlights the vast knowledge gap, stating that “only 240,000 have been formally identified” out of an estimated 2 million marine species. The expedition’s work is crucial for cataloging this biodiversity, which is a foundational step for conservation.
• The research provides “essential baseline data” for implementing international agreements like the “Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction,” which aims to protect marine life.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article explicitly details a multi-stakeholder partnership essential for the expedition’s success. It mentions the collaboration between “The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, Schmidt Ocean Institute, the GoSouth consortium (University of Plymouth, British Antarctic Survey, and GEOMAR), and the government of the U.K.-administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.”
• It showcases international cooperation in science, with specimens being analyzed at a workshop in Chile hosted by the “University of Magallanes in Punta Arenas” with “international taxonomists.”
• The initiative’s goal to make all discoveries available on the “open-access Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform” exemplifies the sharing of knowledge and technology to achieve a common goal, which is central to SDG 17.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The expedition relies on advanced scientific infrastructure and technology, such as the “Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too)” and the “remotely operated vehicle SuBastian.”
• It highlights innovation in scientific processes, aiming to “shorten the time it takes to describe new species” through “advanced imaging and DNA analysis” and “targeted genetic barcoding.” This represents an upgrade in technological and scientific capabilities for marine research.

Specific Targets Identified

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
  • The article supports this target by documenting new and vulnerable ecosystems like “new hydrothermal vents” and “vibrant coral gardens.” This documentation is the first step required for future management and protection plans.
• Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
  • The research provides the “best available scientific information” mentioned in the target. The article states the discoveries provide “essential baseline data as nations implement the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction,” which establishes frameworks for creating “marine protected areas in international waters.”
• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries.
  • The entire expedition is an exercise in increasing scientific knowledge. The creation of the “open-access Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform” is a direct mechanism for transferring knowledge and data globally, enhancing research capacity for all nations.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms…
  • The collaboration between institutions from the UK, USA, Japan, and Chile, as detailed in the article, is a clear example of international cooperation in science. The open-access data platform directly facilitates knowledge sharing.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

• Number of new species discovered: The article explicitly states the expedition “recorded 30 previously unknown species” and that the broader Ocean Census initiative has “confirmed more than 800 new species.” This is a direct measure of the increase in scientific knowledge (Target 14.a).
• Proportion of known marine life: The article provides the statistic that “only 240,000 have been formally identified” out of an estimated “1 million to 2 million marine species,” meaning “only about 10% of ocean life cataloged.” The work described directly contributes to improving this ratio, which serves as a high-level indicator of our understanding of marine biodiversity.
• Amount of data contributed to conservation planning: The article implies this indicator by stating the discoveries provide “essential baseline data” for creating marine protected areas. The volume and quality of data uploaded to the “Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform” can be used to measure progress towards informing conservation efforts (Target 14.5).
• Number of collaborating institutions: The article lists several partners, including foundations, research institutes, and government bodies. The number and diversity of partners in such initiatives serve as an indicator for progress on multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.16).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: news.mongabay.com