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Environment & Climate

Researchers identify nine new deep-sea sponge species off Alaska coast

The Guardian reports that NOAA scientists identified the nine new species, bringing Alaska's total to 232.

The short version

  • NOAA scientists announced the discovery of nine new deep-sea sponge species off the coast of Alaska.[The Guardian]
  • The new discoveries raise the total count of recognized sponge species in Alaska waters to 232.[The Guardian]
  • Researchers identified the species by analyzing survey samples collected as far back as 2012.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • NOAA announced the discovery of nine new deep-sea sponge species located in the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.[The Guardian]
  • The discovery increases the total number of documented sponge species in Alaska to 232.[The Guardian]
  • Specimens were gathered during NOAA Fisheries bottom-trawl surveys and examined alongside samples dating back to 2012.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.