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Deep Sea Wonders: Rare Creatures Found Near Vanuatu
7 Apr
Summary
- Rare Vanuatu nautilus and oilfish spotted in deep ocean.
- Expedition used submersibles and cameras up to 1,250 meters.
- Findings emphasize deep-sea conservation importance.
An international and local scientific team recently conducted an expedition in the waters surrounding Vanuatu, a nation highly vulnerable to climate change. The month-long mission, which concluded in October 2025, aimed to document the biodiversity of the archipelago's deep-sea environments. Researchers utilized 285 scuba dives, over 200 camera systems, and 31 hours in a submersible to survey depths reaching 1,250 meters.
During their exploration, scientists observed a remarkable array of rarely seen wildlife. Notable discoveries included the prehistoric-looking Vanuatu nautilus, large oilfish, bluntnose sixgill sharks, and elusive love-heart squid. Other creatures encountered in the pitch-black waters, approximately a thousand meters underwater, featured king crabs and deep-sea shrimps. Various shark species and unique eels were also documented.
These findings, observed near Torba province and within the sunken crater of the active submarine volcano Kuwae, significantly emphasize the vast and fascinating life present in the deep sea. Expedition leader Chris Thompson stressed the importance of considering both shallow and deep-water communities when developing conservation and management strategies. The research supports the Vanuatu government's efforts to inform policies protecting 30% of its waters.
