Uruguayan Expedition Discovers Extensive Deep-Sea Coral Reefs and New Marine Species

Edited by: Tetiana Martynovska 17

A significant scientific expedition, "Uruguay Sub200: Journey into the Unknown," launched in August 2025 from Uruguay aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too). The mission focused on exploring the deep-sea ecosystems of the Uruguayan continental slope, utilizing the advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to investigate previously uncharted territories. The expedition's discoveries have shed light on the remarkable biodiversity and geological complexity hidden beneath the ocean's surface.

The ROV SuBastian, capable of reaching depths of up to 4,500 meters, was crucial in documenting extensive cold-water coral reefs, primarily composed of Desmophyllum pertusum, a species recently classified as vulnerable. A particularly striking finding was a vast reef complex measuring 1.3 square kilometers at a depth of 300 meters, with mounds reaching up to 40 meters in height. This discovery highlights the previously underestimated scale and health of Uruguay's deep-sea coral ecosystems, which are vital habitats providing food and shelter for numerous marine species and serving as crucial breeding grounds.

The expedition identified at least 30 suspected new species, including sponges, snails, and crustaceans, many of which were previously undocumented in Uruguayan waters. Notable sightings included crystal squids, dumbo octopuses, and tripod fish, species previously unknown to the region. The unique confluence of warm and cold water currents off Uruguay's coast, along with nutrient-rich input from the Rio de la Plata, fosters this rich biodiversity, though it also faces pressure from overfishing.

Adding historical and ecological significance, researchers located the wreck of the ROU Uruguay, a former destroyer that sank in 1995. This shipwreck has become an artificial reef, offering a habitat for marine life and providing valuable insights into habitat creation and ecological succession. The data gathered is essential for the effective management and conservation of Uruguay's marine resources, underscoring the critical importance of deep-sea ecosystems and the urgent need for their protection against threats like overfishing and climate change.

Sources

  • Hydro International

  • Schmidt Ocean Institute 2025 Expeditions

  • Researchers find wreck of former Uruguayan Navy's ROU 01

  • Uruguay embarks on an expedition to the deep sea to explore the ocean depths for a month

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