Australian Museum Scientists Conduct Deep-Sea Research Expedition in Coral Sea
In October 2025, three researchers from the Australian Museum participated in a 35-day scientific voyage aboard the CSIRO vessel Investigator to study the Coral Sea Marine Park. This initiative represented the first modern deep-sea investigation of the area, involving mapping and sampling at depths ranging from 200 to 3,900 meters. The expedition aimed to gather baseline biodiversity data to inform conservation strategies amid threats like climate change and overfishing. Notable discoveries included various marine species such as dumbo octopuses, giant isopods, and potentially new organisms. Collected specimens will be analyzed and distributed to museums across Australia for future research. The project involved collaboration with multiple institutions including CSIRO, Parks Australia, and several universities.
Key facts
- Expedition took place in October 2025 aboard the CSIRO research vessel Investigator
- First modern deep-sea investigation of the Coral Sea Marine Park, sampling depths from 200 to 3,900 meters
- Findings will guide marine park management and provide biodiversity data for future scientific study
Entities
Institutions
- Australian Museum
- CSIRO
- Parks Australia
- Museums Victoria
- Western Australian Museum
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- James Cook University
Locations
- Coral Sea Marine Park
- Australia