Water World
Scientists discover more than 17,000 species deep below the surface of the world's oceans
By Andrea Delbanco
An international team of scientists has discovered 17,650 species living more than 656 feet beneath the surface of the world's oceans. That is the point where sunlight can no longer be seen. These species survive in the pitch-black by feeding on matter that falls down to their depth including sunken whale bones, oil and methane gas.
The findings are part of the global Census of Marine Life, which will be completed by October 2010. Oceanographers believe thousands more species are yet to be discovered.
Under the Sea
More than 2,000 scientists from 80 countries are working together on the census. It's an expensive and difficult process. Research using cameras, sonar and remotely operated vehicles can cost as much as $50,000 a day.
Discoveries include more than 40 new species of coral found on deep-sea mountains along with cities of brittle undersea stars and anemone gardens. Other bottom dwellers include tentacled transparent sea cucumbers and tubeworms that feed on oil deposits.
There are many kinds of marine animals in the ocean. We can eat many marine species, and it is very good. Japanese people catch many fish to kill and eat sashimi, make miso soup, and many other kinds of food. But now we like to look for new kinds of marine animals, and study it. We now can dive into the deep sea because of technology. We can also find some new marine animals in there. We know that these species are peculiar and strange, but we must not kill it, but we need to save it. We also need to protect every fish in the ocean, and let the species grow. When we do that, we finally have a colorful water world.
