Ocean Biodiversity Studied

Biodiversity of the oceans and the sea floor, a science mystery, will be examined by researchers from the University of the Basque Country.

The research team will set sail this month to examine the ocean floor of the Antarctic from aboard the oceanographic vessel Hesperides, working in the Bellingshausen Sea.

The reason why Antarctic waters have remained nearly unexplored is due to the area’s adverse climate which, in turn, has assured a scare human presence.

Scientists plan to trawl the ocean floor at up 6,500 feet to collect samples of all species.

The samples arriving on deck are washed and classified into such groups as fish, mollusks, polyquets and sponges. They are then inserted into alcohol or formaldehyde for preservation and subsequent analysis in the laboratory.

In earlier research, expedition members discovered a new species of vermes. The name of the species and its morphological characteristics will shortly be put forward for approval by the scientific community.

Scientists, however, say they hope it is not too late for such research, given that experts claim many species are disappearing — even before we know of their existence.