866 New Marine Species Discovered in Ocean Census Expeditions

866 New Marine Species Discovered in Ocean Census Expeditions

cnn.com

866 New Marine Species Discovered in Ocean Census Expeditions

Ocean Census, a global alliance, announced the discovery of 866 previously unknown marine species, including a guitar-shaped shark and a venomous deep-sea snail, during 10 ocean expeditions, highlighting the vast unexplored areas of the ocean depths and the urgent need to understand marine biodiversity.

English
United States
TechnologyScienceBiodiversityMarine ConservationMarine BiologyNew SpeciesOcean ExplorationOcean Census
Ocean CensusUniversity Of EssexSchmidt Ocean Institute
Michelle Taylor
How are new technologies impacting the speed and efficiency of marine species discovery?
The 866 newly discovered species were found across diverse ocean regions and depths, from shallow waters to 3.1 miles deep. This broad geographical and depth range underscores the immense biodiversity still unknown in the world's oceans. New technologies like environmental DNA sequencing are accelerating species identification, but the process of formal scientific naming remains time-consuming.
What is the global significance of the discovery of 866 new marine species by Ocean Census?
Ocean Census, a global alliance, announced the discovery of 866 new marine species during 10 ocean expeditions. These discoveries, ranging from a guitar-shaped shark to a venomous deep-sea snail, significantly expand our understanding of marine biodiversity. The findings highlight the vast unexplored areas of the ocean depths.
What are the potential future implications of accelerating marine species discovery for conservation efforts and scientific understanding?
The Ocean Census project aims to identify 100,000 new species within 10 years, accelerating discovery to address urgent threats to marine environments. The current findings, including a venomous snail with potential medical applications, demonstrate the project's scientific value and highlight the potential for future discoveries impacting medicine and our understanding of climate change impacts.

Cognitive Concepts

1/5

Framing Bias

The article presents a positive framing, emphasizing the excitement and significance of the discoveries. While this is appropriate given the topic, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective that also acknowledges the challenges and conservation needs.

1/5

Language Bias

The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, avoiding overtly sensational or emotionally charged terms. Words like "elegant" and "remarkable" are used, but they are appropriate descriptors within the context of scientific discovery.

2/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses on the discoveries and doesn't delve into potential threats to these newly discovered species or the broader implications of marine biodiversity loss. While acknowledging the challenges facing marine environments, a deeper exploration of these issues would enrich the piece.

Sustainable Development Goals

Life Below Water Positive
Direct Relevance

The discovery of 866 new marine species significantly contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ocean biodiversity. This expanded knowledge base is crucial for effective conservation efforts and the sustainable management of marine resources, directly supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) targets focusing on marine biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.