A recent research expedition near Valparaíso, Chile, has uncovered a treasure trove of biodiversity in the deep-sea ecosystems of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges. These underwater mountain ranges, stretching nearly 1,870 miles, are teeming with life, including important fishery species like jack mackerel and swordfish, as well as rare species found nowhere else in the ocean.
The expedition, conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in collaboration with Universidad Católica del Norte, utilized advanced technology aboard the R/V Falkor to explore the depths of the seamounts. Equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), cameras, and various instruments, scientists made groundbreaking discoveries, including the identification of over 100 potentially new species thriving in the region.
