An expedition led by Argentine researchers has discovered around 40 new species of marine life in the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon. The mission, conducted in August 2025 aboard the research vessel R/V Falkor (too) from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, utilized advanced technology to explore this deep-sea environment.
The expedition, titled "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon: Talud Continental IV," was a collaboration between Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian explored depths of up to 3,900 meters, providing live-streamed footage that engaged over 1.6 million viewers daily, with some dives attracting up to 50,000 simultaneous participants.
Among the discoveries were vibrant orange starfish, translucent squid, and various deep-sea crabs. The expedition also documented extensive cold-water coral reefs at depths exceeding 3,500 meters. The Mar del Plata Canyon, located approximately 300 kilometers off the coast, is a significant biodiversity area situated at the confluence of the Brazil Current and the Malvinas Current.
The mission also highlighted the issue of marine pollution, with the team identifying plastic waste at depths over 1,200 meters. The collected data will be made accessible through open-access repositories, ensuring broad scientific and public benefit. This exploration has fostered public engagement with marine science and underscored the importance of scientific research and sustained funding.