A New Zealand marine expedition reveals never-before-seen species, including a mysterious eel

The mission team of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Newa) of the Ocean Census Project, dived into the depths of the Bounty Trough, off the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, to capture the hidden secrets of the oceans.

During a three-week period aboard NIWA's research vessel Tangaroa, the team collected nearly 1,800 samples from areas at depths of up to 4,800 metres.

A disturbing discovery in New Zealand: a cauliflower-like creature

Among the new species, there is a mysterious star-shaped cauliflower-like creature that has left scientists scratching their heads. Initially confused with other marine creatures such as starfish, the discovery could be an entirely new genus of octocorallar, a type of deep-sea coral.

Queensland Museum taxonomist Michaela Mitchell said the discovery could reveal a new range of marine organisms and provide insight into ocean biodiversity.

Vertebrate surprise: Discovery of a new species of sea snake in New Zealand!

In addition to this strange coral, scientists have identified a new species of sea snake, unlike anything known before. ” Finding new vertebrates is rare. There are hundreds of thousands of invertebrates in the sea that we don't know anything about yet. In vertebrates we like to think we know what's out there, but the truth is we don't. » Daniel Moore, scientific leader of the Ocean Census mission, announced to CNN.

A call to explore and preserve the deep sea

This research is just the beginning. The expedition team will sort and describe the samples collected over the coming weeks, helping to expand our knowledge of the oceans. Professor Alex Rogers, co-leader of the expedition, expressed his amazement at the biodiversity of the oceans. With more than 100 new species discovered, New Zealand's Bounty Trough exploration highlights the importance of continuing to explore and protect the oceans to preserve their precious biodiversity.