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New coral reefs and seamounts discovered in the Galápagos

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October 29, 2023

A dark red squid covered in tiny dots, with writhing octopus-like tentacles, in deep, dark waters. — As it dove on a small feature to the southwest of Isabela Island to determine potential mapping targets, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, exploring newly discovered coral reefs, caught sight of this strawberry squid. Image via Schmidt Ocean Institute.

New discoveries in the Galápagos Islands

Scientists studying underwater ecosystems around the Galápagos Islands have discovered two pristine coral reefs and two uncharted seamounts. An international team of scientists aboard the research vessel Falkor (Too) used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian to explore the waters around the islands. They found two cold-water reefs at depths from 1,200 to 1,375 feet (370 to 420 meters) teeming with life. Plus, they found two previously uncharted seamounts (underwater mountains), which had been suggested by satellite data. The Schmidt Ocean Institute announced the discoveries on October 26, 2023.

The larger of the newly found reefs in the Galápagos Islands Marine Reserve is more than eight football fields in length (about 730 meters). And the smaller reef is nearly three football fields in length (about 275 meters). The scientists found a rich diversity of stony corals. The discovery leads them to believe the coral has been supporting marine life here for thousands of years. Earlier this year, researchers found the first-ever deep coral reefs in this marine reserve. So these second and third discoveries will help in planning for the protection of this unique area. Danny Rueda Córdova, director of the Galápagos National Park Directorate, said:

This information is not only valuable from a scientific perspective, but it also provides a solid foundation for decision-making that effectively protects these ecosystems, safeguarding the biological diversity they harbor and ensuring their resilience in a constantly changing environment. The geological dynamics of the region play a fundamental role in the deep-sea ecosystems. Research and mapping are essential tools to ensure that the Galápagos continue to be an iconic example of the beauty and importance of nature.

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The Galápagos Islands

Of course, the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador are known for their diverse lifeforms found nowhere else on Earth. From giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, the islands are famous for their unique species. And Charles Darwin’s studies in the Galápagos Islands helped him formulate his theory of evolution through natural selection.

The researchers were in the Galápagos scanning the underwater landscape with lasers to create extremely high-resolution maps of the coral reefs. The team was able to scan down to a two-millimeter (.04 inch) resolution. That precision allows them to identify animals living on the seafloor.

A blue-and-white ship sails in the ocean with a mountainous island behind. — This image from October 19, 2023, shows the research vessel *Falkor (Too)* off the Galápagos Islands during the recent expedition that discovered 2 pristine cold-water coral reefs. Image via Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Coral reefs and seamounts

The month-long expedition began on September 18. In addition to the Galápagos, the team also explored around Isla del Coco National Marine Park, a protected area managed by Costa Rica. These islands are both in the Pacific, approximately 400 miles (630 km) apart.

The team compared the coral reefs and seamounts in the Galápagos to the Cocos Islands. One of their discoveries in the Costa Rican islands was multiple deep-sea coral reef species covered in eggs. Their studies will help guide management of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, a network of interconnected marine reserves managed by the governments of Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.

Expedition leader Katleen Robert of the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador said:

We are thrilled our mapping data are able to improve our understanding of reef ecosystems in the Galápagos. The interdisciplinary science team is excited that the data collected during this expedition will contribute to growing knowledge on the Galápagos National Marine Reserve and contribute to the management of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor.

Colorful tree-like and flower-like corals, and a maroon many-tentacled sea anemone. — On October 5, 2023, researchers captured images of these corals with ROV SuBastian as it dove at a site on the northern side of Isabela Island. This dive included investigating a small mount, as well as collecting coral and lava samples. Image via Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Protecting deep-sea coral reefs

The researchers hope the knowledge they gained will be useful to areas all across the Eastern Pacific. The Charles Darwin Foundation’s Stuart Banks said:

The Galápagos Marine Reserve is an area of outstanding biological importance, connected to partner marine protected areas across the Eastern Pacific. Finding such deep and long-lived reefs takes us important steps closer to protecting hidden dimensions of ocean diversity and understanding the role that deep habitats play in maintaining our ocean’s health. These fascinating new findings continue to feed important research to inform better management of existing and future marine protected areas in the region.

Coral reefs: Pinkish long-armed starfish squirming over flower-like yellow coral. — Brittle stars and shrimp are some of the creatures living in and around one of the coral reefs that researchers recently discovered west of Fernandina Island in the Galápagos. This image is from October 10, 2023. Image via Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Bottom line: Scientists on a research vessel exploring the Galápagos Islands discovered two deep-sea coral reefs and two previously uncharted seamounts.

Via Schmidt Ocean Institute

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October 29, 2023

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Earth

Kelly Kizer Whitt

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About the Author:

Kelly Kizer Whitt has been a science writer specializing in astronomy for more than two decades. She began her career at Astronomy Magazine, and she has made regular contributions to AstronomyToday and the Sierra Club, among other outlets. Her children’s picture book, Solar System Forecast, was published in 2012. She has also written a young adult dystopian novel titled A Different Sky. When she is not reading or writing about astronomy and staring up at the stars, she enjoys traveling to the national parks, creating crossword puzzles, running, tennis, and paddleboarding. Kelly lives in Wisconsin.