Reef search turns up hundreds of new species

Earth

An expedition to two islands near the Great Barrier Reef, and another reef to the west, has discovered a vast number of new sea creatures

By Michael Marshall

19 September 2008

Dendronephthya, a soft coral . Click on the slideshow link in the story to see more pictures.
(Image: Gary Cranitch, Queensland Museum)

Watch a slideshow of the species found

Researchers exploring two islands just off the Great Barrier Reef, and a reef off northwestern Australia, were surprised to find hundreds of new animal species. They spotted about 300 soft coral species, up to half of which they think are new to science, as well as dozens of small crustacean species, likewise thought to be unknown.

The expeditions included the first systematic survey of . They were affiliated with the – a 10-year project that aims to survey all the species in the Earth’s oceans.

The researchers surveyed Lizard and Heron Islands, both of which are part of the Great Barrier Reef, and Ningaloo Reef off northwestern Australia.

Watch a slideshow of the species found

Mysteries of the Deep Sea – The deep sea is one of the harshest habitats on Earth, but is home to many remarkable creatures. Learn more in our comprehensive special report.

Topics: Oceans

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