Researchers race to document Pacific Ocean species quickly

In the deep Pacific Ocean, researchers are racing to identify thousands of newly discovered species. The seabed is rich in metal, attracting mining companies eager to extract valuable resources. This area, known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), stretches between Hawaii and Mexico and was once thought to be lifeless. Recent studies show that the CCZ is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Scientists have categorized tiny worms, buoyant sponges, and even a giant sea cucumber named the “gummy squirrel.” Environmentalists argue that this biodiversity is crucial and fear that mining could wipe out species before they are even known to humanity. Mining companies are particularly interested in “nodules” found on the ocean floor. These potato-sized rocks contain metals used in smartphones and rechargeable batteries. Researchers note that the interest in mining has allowed for greater exploration of the CCZ's ecosystem. Tammy Horton from the National Oceanography Centre in Britain explained that studying these underwater creatures helps to understand this mysterious environment. Researchers have used special equipment to collect samples and capture images of the seafloor. However, they rarely see the same species more than once. A report from 2023 revealed that about 90% of the recorded 5,000 animal species in the CCZ were previously unknown. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) aims to describe over a thousand species by 2030, but this is a slow process. Each species must be carefully documented and given a unique molecular identification. Conservation groups warn that mining risks damaging marine ecosystems and could worsen climate change by disturbing carbon-storing sediments. The ISA is expected to finalize new mining regulations this year, though much work remains. A historic mining test site in the CCZ was established in 1979, which had links to a CIA operation.