New deep sea creatures discovered by Rockall 28/12/13
Four secretive sea creatures previously unknown to science have been discovered in
deep ocean waters around Rockall, 260 miles off the Western Isles.
Marine Scotland trawl surveys off the continental shelf in the north Atlantic uncovered
a brand new species of large sea snail, two kinds of clams and a marine worm.
International experts confirm that they are completely new to science, meaning the
mysterious molluscs have managed to avoid detection during decades of underwater
research around the Rockall plateau.
The finds are incredibly unusual and the discovery of the clams and worm at a single
site is potentially hugely significant as it could indicate the presence of a cold
seep, where hydrocarbons are released from the sea bed. If confirmed, it would be
the first cold seep to be discovered in the vicinity of Rockall.
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Our oceans are often called
Earth's final frontier and these new species prove just how much we still have to
learn about this rich marine habitat. Scottish waters cover an area around five times
bigger than our land mass and are miles deep in places, and these hidden gems offer
a fascinating glimpse of the treasures that still await discovery under the waves.
"While understanding more about these great depths is clearly very challenging, we
know that Scotland's seas are home to a diverse range of precious sea life and it
is our responsibility to protect this fragile environment.
“The area where these species were found is not currently fished and the confirmation
of a cold seep is likely to result in the region being closed to bottom contact fishing."
Jim Drewery from Marine Scotland Science, who oversaw the research on the deep water
invertebrates, said: “The discovery of these new species is absolutely incredible,
especially when you consider that the sea snail measures a relatively large 10 cm
yet has gone undetected for decades. Its capture on these surveys could be due to
the new techniques we are now employing at Marine Scotland Science in our research
on the deep sea floor.
“The project we were undertaking was designed to provide advice that would help balance
both commercial fishing and conservation interests in the Rockall area.
“The potential cold seep and its dependant community of marine life is a great find
as it is just the sort of habitat we were hoping to pick up on these surveys.