What is the significance of the nautilus sighting in Palau?

The sighting of the nautilus, a rare "living fossil" mollusk, in Palau's German Channel is significant because researchers have not seen one in the wild for 15 years, despite extensive underwater exploration efforts.

How is the nautilus population in Palau protected?

The nautilus population in Palau is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which works to prevent the decline of native life forms and has 185 member countries, including the United States.

What can individuals do to help protect the nautilus?

Individuals can help protect the nautilus by not buying their shells, as the demand for nautilus shells is the main reason for the species' threatened status. According to Save the Nautilus, over half a million nautilus items were imported to the U.S. for decorations and jewelry from 2005 to 2008.

Home / Environment / Rare Nautilus Sighting Excites Deep-Sea Researchers

Rare Nautilus Sighting Excites Deep-Sea Researchers

11 Sep

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Summary

Nautilus spotted by Ocean Exploration Trust crew in Palau's German Channel
First sighting in the wild in 15 years, despite over 1,000 ROV dives worldwide
Nautilus is a "living fossil" that has evolved little in 500 million years

Rare Nautilus Sighting Excites Deep-Sea Researchers

On September 11, 2025, deep-sea researchers from the Ocean Exploration Trust made an unexpected and exciting discovery in Palau's German Channel. The crew of the research vessel E/V Nautilus spotted a nautilus, a rare and ancient mollusk that has changed little in its 500-million-year evolutionary history.

The researchers were thrilled by the sighting, as they had not seen a nautilus in the wild for 15 years, even after conducting over 1,000 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives worldwide. Palau has been a hotspot for nautilus research for the past 50 years, and the stable population in this region is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The nautilus is considered a "living fossil" due to its remarkably unchanged structure since it first appeared 38 million years ago. This unique creature is an ancestor to modern-day squid and octopus, and its discovery has excited the scientific community. The researchers later spotted three more nautiluses during their exploration, providing further evidence of the species' resilience in this protected area.

However, the nautilus remains threatened in other regions due to overfishing for its valuable shells. Organizations like CITES play a vital role in protecting endangered species like the nautilus, whose habitats cross undefined borders. Individuals can also help by avoiding the purchase of nautilus shells and other products, as this is the main driver of the species' decline.

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