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October 30, 2007
bron The Daily Herald
Scientists exploring the Saba Bank have discovered two new species of soft
coral known as gorgonians or sea fans during the current 10-day study. The two species were found at different depths. A specimen at 70 meters was brought up by the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), which
has a grasping arm controlled from the surface. The second specimen was discovered during a scuba dive at about 20 meters. The shallow water sample was unexpected since it is unusual to fi nd a new shallow water gorgonian species that can be
distinguished based only on its outer appearance. Further identification will verify and describe all characteristics of the new gorgonians.
The gorgonian experts, Scientist Peter Etnoyer and project administrator Shelley Lundvall look at
the Saba Bank seabed on a computer screen. Saba skipper Nicky Johnson captained the expedition. who are from different international research centres in Texas, Florida,and Columbia, located more than 40 species - continued proof of the rich
biodiversity of the Saba Bank, the world's third largest submerged atoll. At the same time, other specialists were looking for crustaceans and were rewarded by finding about 100 different species of crabs and shrimp.
These species were also
sampled and all scientific equipment and specimens will be shipped back to the various institutes for further study. The scientists left Fort Bay on two boats to destinations about an hour away, due south of Saba.
The Marine Park boat was used
for shallow-water investigations on scuba gear and the Jackie Jane, owned and captained by Saba fisherman Nicky Johnson, was used for the deep-water investigations that used the ROV. This device can go to depths of over 200 meters
and was invaluable in finding the appropriate spots to look for the specific study objects.
Paul Hoetjes, senior advisor to the Netherlands Antilles Department of Environment, accompanied the scientists on this expedition and facilitated the
procurement of all necessary permits for them to travel internationally with the specimens. Hoetjes said that the new scientific information formed a crucial base to any requests that the Saba Bank be granted protected status by the International
Maritime Organisation.
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