Arabic version: علماء يكشفون عن عجائب بحرية مخفية في رحلة استكشافية في الكاريبي
Researchers have embarked on a groundbreaking expedition to explore the deep waters off the Caribbean islands of the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos. For the first time, they have uncovered an underwater mountain range, a massive blue hole, and coral reefs apparently untouched by climate change. Operating 24 hours a day for the last six weeks, scientists have recorded depths of up to 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) using advanced cameras and equipment.
According to BBC News, the UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) has shared exclusive footage and findings from this expedition. The team faced challenges navigating the waters, relying on decades-old maps that contained significant inaccuracies. The discoveries include nearly 14,000 individual specimens and 290 different types of marine creatures.
Among the remarkable findings are unique species such as a glowing pink-tailed pelican eel and a barreleye fish with upward-facing tubular eyes. The researchers also documented a variety of coral formations and vibrant marine life in one of the healthiest reefs in the region, free from the ravages of the stony coral disease affecting many Caribbean areas.
The expedition revealed a steep underwater mountain called Pickle Bank and a previously uncharted 3,200-meter-high ridge in Turks and Caicos. Additionally, a giant sinkhole, or blue hole, was discovered, which could be the deepest in the Caribbean. This blue hole, measuring approximately 300 meters wide and extending 550 meters below sea level, hosts small sponges and various fish species.
The findings from this expedition are crucial for enhancing biodiversity management and informing fishing opportunities for local island communities. The research contributes to the UK’s commitment to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 through designated Marine Protected Areas. As environmental experts collaborate on this project, they aim to gain a better understanding of these pristine underwater environments and their significance for marine conservation.
