Three New Marine Species Discovered 2022

The oceans remain one of the most mysterious places on Earth, and every year scientists uncover remarkable new life forms hidden beneath the waves. The year 2022 was especially exciting for marine biologists and the SCUBA diving community. As global exploration resumed and underwater research intensified, several groundbreaking discoveries emerged. These new marine species discovered in 2022 remind us how little we still know about the deep sea and how important conservation efforts truly are.

New marine species discovered in 2022 in ocean tide pool

Anti-Freeze Fish

One of the most astonishing new marine species discovered in 2022 is the anti-freeze fish found in icy Arctic waters near Greenland. This glowing deep-sea snailfish produces natural anti-freeze proteins in its body, allowing it to survive at temperatures that would instantly freeze most marine life.

What makes this discovery even more extraordinary is that scientists were only recently able to confirm its radioactive-like bioluminescence and internal biochemical heating process through advanced RNA sequencing. This fish, officially named Ghulam Din Arctic Snailfish, may change how scientists understand adaptation in polar extreme environments.

These anti-freeze proteins are now being studied for possible medical applications, including organ preservation and cold-weather survival technologies.

A New Marine Species of Comb Jelly

Duobrachium sparksae is the newly discovered species of comb jelly floating off the coast of Puerto Rico. NOAA classifies this as a species of comb jelly. Transparent and small, duobrachium sparksae resembles the comb jelly. Note that comb jellies are not related to jellyfish; (their phylum classifications are different.) This little floating wonder resembles a hot air balloon and walnut. They are not as dangerous to humans as jellyfish. The Smithsonian offers public access to high-definition videos of this finely detailed creature. Currently, scientists are uncertain of the role of the comb jelly in our ecosystem.

Scientists are still studying its ecological role, but early observations suggest it could play a vital part in plankton population control. The Smithsonian Institution has already released high-definition footage of this micro-species, helping researchers worldwide analyze its characteristics.

“Alien” Isopod

Ready for a creature that will make your skin crawl? The alien isopod or “face-hugger” lives in the Gulf of Mexico. The official name is bathynomus yucatanensis; bathynomus yucatanensis is a different species from other isopods. This isopod tops other isopods at a foot in size. Scientists believe the immense size of this isopod derives from its existence on the ocean floor. Other crustaceans and mollusks(such as giant squids) found on the ocean floor outgrow their peers who live closer to the surface. This phenomenon is known as gigantism, and scientists believe it is an evolutionary process that occurs deep down.

Teeming With Life

Scientists are constantly discovering new forms of life in our oceans. There is no end to the possibilities of species we will find in the years to come. Protecting our biodiversity is vital to the continuing survival of our oceans. Follow organizations such as NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography to stay up to date with environmental advocacy. Learning about our oceans will help you to become more familiar with different ecosystems. For more information on involvement as a PADI diver, contact www.volunteerhq.org. Head to your local PADI instruction company to find out if they know of any excursions to explore a new life. By the Shore, SCUBA Instruction is a PADI instruction company in Raleigh, NC. We stay updated on new oceanic discoveries and chart dive excursions to different locations.