Buenos Aires, AR – A groundbreaking Argentinian-led expedition along the nation’s entire continental shelf has uncovered extraordinary life in the deep sea, revealing ecosystems richer than scientists ever expected.

Aboard the R/V Falkor, the research team documented the largest-known Bathelia candida coral reef in the global ocean, spanning at least 0.4 square kilometers—nearly the size of Vatican City. This cold-water coral provides habitat for fish, crustaceans, and octopuses, and was found 600 kilometers further south than previously recorded. Several other reef complexes and 28 suspected new species, including worms, corals, sea urchins, sea snails, and sea anemones, were also observed.

“We were not expecting to see this level of biodiversity in the Argentine deep sea, and are so excited to see it teeming with life,” said Dr. María Emilia Bravo of the University of Buenos Aires and CONICET. “Seeing all the biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and connectivity unfolding together was incredible. We opened a window into our country’s biodiversity only to find there are so many more windows left to be opened.”

The team also documented Argentina’s first deep-water whale fall at 3,890 meters and a rare phantom jellyfish capable of growing as long as a school bus. Ancient Bubblegum coral gardens were discovered among large sponges in the 3,000-meter-deep Malvinas Trough near Tierra del Fuego.

Cold seep environments were a primary focus, and one active seep measuring 1 square kilometer—twice the size of the Bathelia reef—was identified, hosting large patches of chemosynthetic clams.

Dr. Melisa Fernández Severini of Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía and CONICET said, “These samples represent a unique opportunity to understand not only how extraordinary these extreme ecosystems are, but also how vulnerable they can be.”

The team also found deep-sea trash, including fishing nets, garbage bags, and a VHS tape in remarkably good condition.

“With every expedition to the deep sea, we find the Ocean is full of life—as much as we see on land, and perhaps more because the Ocean contains 98% of the living space on this planet,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani.

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