If you need proof that there is still plenty to discover in our ocean, look no further than the recent deep-sea expedition in South America.
In January 2024, a group of scientists boarded Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) to explore underwater mountain ranges off of Chile’s coast. The team, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, wanted to understand the biodiversity of these little-explored seamounts. They used cutting-edge technology like remotely-operated vehicles, multibeam sonar and other sensors to get a comprehensive look at life on a seamount.
Want to learn more about ocean animals?
Sign up to receive our emails.
The results were astounding. In less than a month, the expedition had documented 100 newly discovered deep sea animals, including species of deep-sea corals, glass sponges, squat lobsters and more. Additionally, they documented dumbo octopuses, siphonophores and jellies—it was an all-star lineup of some of the deep sea’s most captivating residents.
This expedition targeted a 2,900 square kilometer stretch of mountains created through volcanic activity. The area’s unique combination of currents and a nearby low-oxygen zone mean this particular stretch is somewhat isolated, resulting in very high levels of endemism—meaning there are animals here that aren’t found anywhere else on the planet. In fact, about half of the animals in this deep sea region are endemic.
Many of the dives took place in a marine protected area roughly the size of Italy. The team collected samples and data from ten seamounts at depths of up to 4,500 meters. They also used underwater mapping technology to record more than 52,000 square kilometers of ocean floor, and in the process, discovered four new seamounts.
According to Sellanes, their results “far exceeded” their hopes for the expedition. “You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing,” he said.
Next, the scientists and their partners will be hard at work using genetics and other methods to officially identify the observed species. Another expedition is already underway to continue to explore this region—follow along in real time with Schmidt Ocean Institute’s YouTube channel.
We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of all there is to discover in the deep sea. It’s up to us to make sure the deep sea—and the rest of the ocean—is healthy to preserve these incredible communities. See how you can take action with Ocean Conservancy to protect our ocean from threats like climate change, plastic pollution and more in our Action Center.
The post 100+ New Species Discovered in the Deep Sea appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.
This fall, Ocean Conservancy is celebrating its 41st annual International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC), once again bringing together volunteers to protect the beaches and waterways we all love. Ocean Conservancy recently hosted flagship events in Long Beach and Washington, D.C. that celebrated this global movement close to home.
Over the past four decades, nearly 20 million volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to remove more than 405 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways around the world. And their impact extends far beyond what they collect. ICC volunteers have documented nearly 440 million individual items, creating the world’s largest marine debris database and providing invaluable information that helps Ocean Conservancy and others better understand—and tackle—ocean plastic pollution.
This year’s celebration continued that incredible legacy. At Alamitos Beach in Southern California, more than 150 volunteers gathered on September 19 and removed 1,109 pounds of trash, alongside members of Team USA Artistic Swimming and Olympic and Paralympic athletes. In Washington, D.C., 439 volunteers gathered on September 26 to remove 2,182 pounds of trash from Anacostia Park along the Anacostia River.
“I am so grateful to all of the volunteers who came out today for our ocean—and every volunteer who has made the last 41 years of impact possible,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Senior Director of Conservation Cleanups, Allison Schutes. “Every piece of plastic collected helps protect marine animals and habitats and contributes to research and advocacy.”
And the impact doesn’t stop when the cleanup ends. During International Coastal Cleanup events, volunteers do more than remove trash: They document what they find, helping build a clearer picture of the plastic pollution threatening our waterways and wildlife. Through the Clean Swell® app or paper data sheets, ICC volunteers contribute to Ocean Conservancy’s online, open-access database, the world’s largest repository of marine debris data. These records help scientists, conservation groups and governments understand pollution trends and identify solutions.
That data can also drive meaningful policy change. ICC data were recently used in a peer-reviewed study showing that plastic bag bans lead to reduced plastic bag pollution. The data have also helped advance policies ranging from California’s SB 54 to Florida’s balloon release ban and the federal Farewell to Foam Act. From a neighborhood cleanup to statewide action, every piece of documented trash helps build the evidence needed to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Get Ocean Updates in Your Inbox
Sign up with your email and never miss an update.
Want to get involved?
Whether you join a local cleanup, record the trash you find using the Clean Swell app, or take action to reduce plastic pollution, you can be part of this incredible collective effort to protect our ocean. Here are a few ways to make an impact:
- Find a cleanup near you.
- Download our Clean Swell app to easily record the trash you collect.
- Take action to reduce plastic pollution.
- Explore our Wildlife Impact Calculator to estimate the potential benefits of your cleanup for marine wildlife.
- Donate today to Ocean Conservancy to help us fight plastic pollution for years to come!
The post Celebrating 41 Years of the International Coastal Cleanup® appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.
For generations, stories of people being swallowed by enormous sea creatures have painted awe-inspiring tales of human survival and perseverance. From the biblical account of Jonah to the legendary battle of Hercules and Cetus to the timeless story of Pinocchio, these legendary tales have captivated people since time immemorial.
But all these stories raise the question: Could someone really be swallowed by a whale? With the premiere of the film Whalefall on October 16, 2026, you may find yourself in conversations about this very situation. Based on the bestselling 2023 thriller authored by Daniel Kraus, the film tells the story of a scuba diver who is accidentally gobbled up by a sperm whale while searching for the remains of his late father. With only an hour of oxygen left in his tank, the diver must fight to escape the whale’s gut before time runs out.
The answer to whether it’s anatomically possible for a whale to swallow a person is actually a bit more complicated than you might think.