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Schmidt Ocean Institute Discovers 20 New Species Along the Remote Nazca Ridge

11 Sep, 2024

This post was originally published on Colossal

Bathyphysa conifera (flying spaghetti monster)

Schmidt Ocean Institute Discovers 20 New Species Along the Remote Nazca Ridge

About 900 miles off the coast of Chile along the Nazca Ridge, a slew of new discoveries have thrilled marine scientists. During a 28-day expedition, researchers aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel Falkor (too) mapped a previously unknown seamount along the ridge’s mountain chain, along with nine others. These included a pristine 800-square-meter coral garden.

The underwater peaks and coral beds provide homes for rockfish, king crabs, brittle stars, and myriad other creatures. Scientists discovered twenty possibly new species across the ten seamounts they surveyed, in addition to capturing rare species on camera for the first time.

The team documented a live Promachoteuthis squid, “a genus that is so rare that only three species have been described based on only a few collected specimens, several of which are from the late 1800s,” a statement about the findings says. “Until now, the squid genus has only been characterized from dead samples found in nets.”

Scientists also recorded the adorable Casper octopus, marking the first time the species has been spotted in the Southern Pacific, and two rare Bathyphysa siphonophores, commonly known as flying spaghetti monsters.

Schmidt Ocean Institute (previously) was established to advance oceanographic research, discovery, and knowledge, and through its efforts—including a residency program—share information about our planet’s oceans to better protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems.

Find more on the organization’s website.

Rare octopus informally known as the Casper octopus
Promachoteuthis squid
Bathypterois atricolor (tripod fish)
Chrysogorgia (golden coral) with associates (squat lobster: Uroptychus sp.; benthic ctenophore: Lyrocteis sp.; seastar: Calliaster sp.)
A Chaunacops coloratus, commonly known as a sea toad
A sea urchin in the genus Argopatagus
A Neolithodes sp. (king crab) with epibiont (Poecilasma sp.) growth
Helicolenus lengerichi (Scorpionfish)

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City of Gosnells retains Gold for Waterwise initiatives

City of Gosnells retains Gold for Waterwise initiatives

The City of Gosnells has once again earned Gold Waterwise accreditation from the Water Corporation, recognising its strong commitment to sustainable water management.

Director of Infrastructure Martyn Glover was also honoured with an inaugural Waterwise Champion Award for his leadership in water efficiency initiatives.

The Gold Waterwise accreditation acknowledges WA local governments that demonstrate leadership in sustainable water management. The new Waterwise Champion Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate passion, creativity and leadership to drive change in water efficiency.

Mayor Terresa Lynes congratulated Glover on his achievement.

“Martyn has been a driving force behind the City’s efforts toward holistic and integrated water cycle management, green space planning and the Smart Drainage program, making him a worthy recipient of this award,” she said.

Martyn Glover with his Waterwise Champion Award. Image: Supplied.

Lynes said retaining the Gold Waterwise accreditation was a huge success given Perth had experienced record dry weather in the past two years.

“Our climate is getting drier each year, which makes this Gold Waterwise accreditation even more important,” she said. “By thinking carefully about where the City uses water and how we can make that more efficient and effective, the City continues to improve our environment while saving ratepayer dollars.”

Key initiatives contributing to the City’s recognition include:

planting over 1100 trees and 3000 understorey plants in Canning Vale with support from a $115,000 Urban Greening Grant;
promoting waterwise gardening through community programs like Plants for Local giveaway and a demonstration garden at Amherst Village Community Centre;
upgrading Mary Carroll Park to enhance community connection to water;
implementing irrigation efficiencies and the award-winning Smart Drainage project.
 

Top image caption: City of Gosnells retains Gold Waterwise status. Image: Supplied.

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