Buenos Aires, AR – A groundbreaking Argentinian-led expedition has uncovered extraordinary life along the country’s continental shelf, revealing a deep-sea ecosystem far more diverse than previously known.

Scientists aboard the R/V Falkor documented the largest-known Bathelia candida coral reef, chemically rich cold seep environments, and a rare phantom jellyfish, alongside 28 suspected new species including worms, corals, sea urchins, sea snails, and sea anemones.

“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, chief scientist. “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 Bathelia reef spans at least 0.4 square kilometers, nearly the size of Vatican City, providing habitat for fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. Researchers found Bathelia reefs 600 kilometers further south than previously documented, marking a significant expansion of its known range.

The team also recorded Argentina’s first deep-water whale fall at 3,890 meters, which creates temporary ecosystems for octopuses, sharks, and crabs. Ancient Bubblegum coral gardens were observed at 3,000 meters in the Malvinas Trough, surrounded by massive sponges.

Active cold seeps were discovered, including one covering 1 square kilometer, supporting large patches of chemosynthetic clams and other life. Scientists emphasized the importance of these ecosystems and their vulnerability to human impacts.

The expedition also noted debris, including fishing nets, garbage bags, and a nearly pristine VHS tape with Korean labeling, illustrating the far-reaching impact of plastics in deep waters.

“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, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute.

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