'Barbie' pigs and others: scientists find creatures unknown to science in the Pacific Ocean

This was reported in SSPDaily. This finding is incredibly interesting not only because new exotic species have been discovered but also because of the place where they were found. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is considered a potential site for deep-sea mining, including nickel, manganese, and cobalt.

According to Regen Drennan, a marine biologist from the Natural History Museum in London, most of the species discovered during the expedition are new to science. This discovery creates new opportunities for further research to help preserve biodiversity in this unique environment.

Special attention was also paid to the collection and analysis of the specimens collected during the expedition. They will become the basis for further research and possible discovery of new species.

For example, the researchers are particularly interested in one of the few vertebrates found at such a depth: Pacific grenadier.

Although deep-sea mining could become a source of minerals for the green revolution, scientists say that much more research needs to be done to understand how it will affect marine ecosystems. It may have negative consequences for the natural environment.

Experts believe that before making an extremely important decision on the exploitation of manganese, cobalt and nickel resources located here, all possible environmental consequences must be carefully studied. This is what the SMARTEX project will continue to work on. It is important to understand whether marine ecosystems can recover from human intervention.

Thanks to the expedition to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a whole new world of animal life was discovered. It also brought new crucial questions about the preservation of the natural environment.