Scientists have discovered 12 new deep-sea species in the Atlantic – but say they are already threatened by climate change.
A group of researchers working on the international Atlas project discovered new sea mosses, molluscs and corals, in places including an underwater mud volcano.
Ecosystems on the seabed are not well understood but scientists say they are in danger of collapsing due to climate change, which could affect vital fish stocks.
Although some species see their habitat expand, conservation efforts are likely to become more difficult as ocean acidification and warming threaten deep-sea habitats that provide spawning grounds, shelter and food for fish.
Cold-water corals are considered particularly endangered, with more than half of these habitats at risk from climate change by 2100.
Habitats suitable for commercially important deep-sea fish could move up to 1000 km to the north, the group said, predicting a 30 to 50 percent reduction in Atlantic cod.
Professor Murray Roberts from the University of Edinburgh, who led the project, said it was difficult to predict the economic impact of changing fish stocks.
“The variability we are seeing in fish populations is likely to increase thanks to these rapid and radical changes in the suitability of their habitats.
“The ATLAS project was not just focused on fish but took a broader view of the ecosystem to better understand the impact of climate change on species that themselves create habitats – sponges and deep sea corals.
“We still don’t understand enough about the ecology of these places but it is becoming clearer and clearer that these‘ biogenic ’habitats themselves are important in the biology of important fish that use them. as spawning grounds. “
Recently discovered species include the molluscs Mitrella templado and Myonera atlasiana, and several species of bryozoan, which look similar to coral.
Project partners have also developed a new low-cost deep-sea camera system that they hope will help other scientists understand more about marine biodiversity without making expensive voyages.
“ATLAS research strongly recommends that marine warming, acidification, and reduced access to food will increase significantly and reduce the availability of suitable habitats for deep-sea species by 2100,” he said. the researchers.