By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The discovery of new shark species from the deep ocean is a growing field of exploration, highlighting how much of the ocean's mysteries remain uncovered. Over the last few decades, scientists have been uncovering new species at a rapid pace, with the number of known shark species growing by nearly 40% in just over 40 years. This has taken the tally of known species from around 360 to more than 500. With each new discovery, the oceans prove that they still have plenty to reveal.
One of the most intriguing examples of these new discoveries began with the finding of a mysterious "mermaid's purse" in 1989, a leathery shark egg case with distinctive ridges. It took over 30 years to determine what type of shark laid it, leading to the discovery of a completely new species of catshark, Apristurus ovicorrugatus. This species is now known to live hundreds of meters below the surface, depositing its eggs over coral reefs at great depths where sunlight doesn’t reach.
Discoveries like these are no longer limited to shallow waters, as modern technology and research practices allow scientists to explore the deepest parts of the ocean. In September 2024, for example, another new species, a type of ghost shark, was discovered off the coast of New Zealand.
This increase in new findings mirrors the golden ages of exploration, but this time, instead of uncovering new continents, scientists are unveiling the hidden lifeforms of our oceans. Researchers like Will White of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia are piecing together clues from museum collections, old expeditions, and modern technology to identify these creatures.
Shark species like the newly discovered demon catshark have been difficult to classify due to their subtle differences from other species. Often, scientists must look at minute anatomical details like digestive tract or liver shapes to determine if they are dealing with a new species. Despite these challenges, White and his colleagues have discovered multiple new species of catsharks, including another one from Queensland with unique ridged egg cases.
Not only are new sharks being found in the waters around Australia, but in other parts of the world as well. German shark scientist Simon Weigmann and his team, for instance, discovered two new species of saw shark in the waters off southeastern Africa. Saw sharks, with their long, snout-like rostrums lined with teeth, are already a rare sight, so discovering new species within this group was especially notable. These sharks, with six gill slits instead of the usual five, and other unique features, add a new layer of understanding to the biodiversity of sharks.
The discovery of new species also raises awareness about their vulnerability. Many of these deep-sea sharks, like the saw sharks, are at risk due to commercial fishing practices. Their deep habitats, once thought to be safe, are now increasingly exploited by industrial fisheries. Weigmann uses the example of the blue skate, a species of ray, to illustrate how understanding the diversity of species is essential for conservation. In the case of the blue skate, populations were heavily fished before scientists realized there were actually two different species involved, complicating conservation efforts.
New shark species not only expand our understanding of ocean biodiversity but also highlight the importance of taxonomy in preserving these animals. The fact that the megamouth shark, one of the largest living shark species, wasn’t discovered until 1976 shows how much remains unknown. Scientists believe more discoveries are on the horizon, with new species potentially lurking in the deep waters, waiting to be found. Some of these, like the deep-sea sharks that glow in the dark discovered in 2021, could be as fascinating as they are vital for the marine ecosystem.
As humanity continues to explore deeper into the ocean, the discovery of new shark species serves as a reminder that our understanding of the natural world is still incomplete. The deep sea is one of the last frontiers of biological discovery, and with each new find, we gain a better understanding of the complex and diverse life that inhabits our planet's oceans. These discoveries not only enrich our knowledge but also underscore the importance of protecting these often-overlooked creatures before they vanish due to human activity.
