Giant Sea Creatures Found in Antarctic Sea
Researchers have discovered giant marine life in the seas of the Antarctic.
The discovery was made during a 50 day voyage in the Ross Sea. New Zealand Marine Scientist, Don Robertson said that they found “Huge sea snails, jellyfish with tentacles up to four metres long and starfish the size of big food platters”.
The voyage, which covered 3,200 km, resulted in 30,000 specimens, making it the most comprehensive survey to date. Among the specimens, were about 90 different species of fish, eight of which could be a previously undiscovered species. There are at least eight new molluscs and a range of new invertebrates too. Analysis of all 30,000 specimens could take up to two years.
The survey covered all levels of the water, from the surface to the sea floor - 3,500 meters deep.
The survey is part of the International Polar Year program, which involves 23 countries and 10 other voyages around the Antarctic. The voyages will continue until July 2009.
Tags: antarctic, fish, invertebrates, marine, molluscs, ocean, sea
