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Expedition led by CONICET reveals one of the largest deep-sea coral reefs in the world in the South Atlantic
Researchers from Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata discovered 40 new marine species in a single expedition. The findings were announced in April 2026 and change the biodiversity map of the South Atlantic.
The expedition used the ship R/V Falkor (too) and the ROV SuBastian. They explored the 3,500-meter depths of the Mar del Plata Canyon in Argentina.
As reported by Mongabay News, one of the largest deep-sea coral reefs in the world was documented. The result surprised international researchers.
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In fact, the livestream of the operation attracted almost 4 million viewers. The phenomenon went viral on Argentine social networks.
According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the campaign involved 25 scientists from CONICET. The coordination was led by Martin Brogger and Mariano Lauretta.
Therefore, the discovery by Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata repositions the debate. Marine resources of the South Atlantic may become a focus for protection against offshore exploration.
What is the Mar del Plata Canyon and where is it located
The Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata explored a very rare submarine canyon. It is located on the Argentine continental shelf, about 400 km east of the city of the same name.
According to Discover Wildlife, the canyon reaches depths of 3,500 meters. It is a corridor between shallow waters and the continental slope.
Therefore, the region concentrates currents that sustain unique ecosystems. Cold southern waters meet warm waters coming from the North Atlantic.
In parallel, the location is near Mile 201, an area of international waters without clear regulatory protection. This legal vacuum worries marine biologists.
Indeed, Chinese and European fishing vessels operate intensively in the region. According to an analysis by the Natural World Fund, there is an environmental crisis at Mile 201.
Thus, the discovery by Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata could legally justify the creation of a protected area. The movement already has the support of the Argentine government.
The ROV SuBastian technology used in the expedition
The Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata used the ROV SuBastian. This underwater vehicle operates up to 4,500 meters deep.
According to the technical record of the vehicle, the SuBastian is equipped with 7 4K cameras and robotic collection arms.
Therefore, the images from the Argentine expedition achieved cinematic resolution. It was possible to see details of coral polyps at 3,500 meters.
In parallel, the R/V Falkor (too) is the mother ship of Schmidt Ocean. It is 110 meters long and has world-class marine research laboratories.
According to the Schmidt Ocean itself, it was the first time an ROV operated in the Mar del Plata Canyon. Until then, the region had only been explored by surface dredging.
Thus, all 40 new species cataloged were out of reach of previous technologies. The ROV literally opened an unprecedented window.
What are the 40 new species discovered
Most of the discoveries by Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata are still under taxonomic description. According to Schmidt, there are at least 40 potentially new organisms.
There are uncatalogued soft red corals. Star-shaped marine forms still without scientific nomenclature. Carnivorous sponges never documented before.
In parallel, the starfish went viral on Argentine networks. According to the Buenos Aires Herald, it was nicknamed the “canyon star”.
In fact, the expedition’s livestream had 4 million unique viewers. This was the largest online scientific dissemination event in Argentine history.
According to an analysis by Seven Seas Media, the virality generated political pressure. The Argentine government accelerated marine protection plans.
Therefore, Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata became an exemplary case. It shows how digital dissemination can drive regulatory decisions.
- Maximum depth of the canyon: 3,500 meters
- New species cataloged: 40 potentially new
- Scientists involved: 25 from CONICET
- Technology: ROV SuBastian + R/V Falkor (too)
- Livestream: ~4 million viewers
- Date: announced in April 2026
- Coral reef: among the largest deep-sea reefs in the world
Impact on Argentine offshore oil exploration
The discovery by Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata has a direct impact on the oil sector. The explored region is close to Argentine offshore exploration fields.
According to an analysis by Mongabay on submarine mining, discoveries like this delay environmental licenses.
Therefore, operators like Equinor, Shell, and YPF are awaiting new studies. The Argentine state may review offshore licensing protocols.
In parallel, the case repositions the debate on the Brazilian pre-salt. Similar deep biodiversity studies are still rare in Brazil.
Indeed, the Brazilian South Atlantic may hide equally rich ecosystems. Petrobras operates at depths of 2,000-3,000 meters in the pre-salt.
According to the Schmidt Ocean itself, the next expedition will explore Argentine cold seeps. These structures are geological neighbors of oil and gas reservoirs.
For another recent oceanographic science case, see the scientific coverage by Click Petróleo e Gás on Brazilian discoveries.
For the globalized offshore sector, also recommended is the coverage by Click Petróleo e Gás on current maritime operations.
What’s next for Schmidt Ocean Mar del Plata
The next expedition of Schmidt Ocean Argentina has been announced. According to the 2026 agenda, it will be “Life in Extremes: Cold Seeps of Argentina”.
The focus will be on cold hydrothermal vents. These are openings on the ocean floor where natural gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide escape.
Therefore, the next mission will explore areas geologically similar to oil exploration sites. The parallel is direct between science and industry.
According to the disclosed schedule, the cold seeps expedition begins in July 2026. It will last about 30 days in the South Atlantic.
It is worth noting that there is still no formal legal protection for the Mar del Plata Canyon. The Argentine regulatory process is slow.
Despite this, public pressure has risen drastically. The case could set a precedent for the entire South Atlantic, including Brazilian basins with active oil exploration.
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