Historic Find: New Sea Creatures Discovered in Atlantic

Marine Scotland trawl surveys off the continental shelf in the North Atlantic have revealed a brand new species of large sea snail, two kinds of clams, and a marine worm. Four new species of sea creature have been discovered in ocean waters hundreds of miles off the west coast of Scotland.

The finds could indicate the presence of a cold seep, where hydrocarbons are released from the sea bed. If confirmed, it would be the first cold seep to be discovered in the surrounding area of Rockall. International experts have now confirmed that they are completely new to science — meaning the strange molluscs have managed to avoid detection during decades of underwater research around the Rockall plateau.

Richard Lochhead, Scottish Environment Secretary said, “Our oceans are often called Earth’s final frontier and these new species prove just how much we still have to learn about this rich marine habitat. Scottish waters cover an area around five times bigger than our land mass and are miles deep in places, and these hidden gems offer a fascinating glimpse of the treasures that still await discovery under the waves.”