Underwater Lost World Found

It was announced today that researchers off the coast of Indonesia have found a significant area within the Bird's Head Seascape where they have uncovered approx. 60 new species of marine life. This includes a shark which "walks" on pectoral fins to move along the sea floor.

The location is in the northwestern portion of Indonesia's Papus Province. The area is called the Coral Triangle and includes Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands.

Included in their discoveries are 20 new corals and 24 new fish.

Unfortunately for all of us, the area is threatened due to over fishing (including fishing with the use of dynamite that destroys reefs) and pollution. Research teams are racing to study and protect it before these threats, along with global warming, take their toll.

Source:

ABC News Report, "Researchers Find Underwater Lost World": September 17, 2006