"Discovery of 5,000+ New Species in Pacific Ocean Raises Concerns"

Scientists have discovered about 5,000 new species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a mineral-rich area of the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Mexico, where companies plan to mine for polymetallic nodules. The CCZ is home to 5,578 different species, with 88-92% of them never seen before. Ecologists and biologists are exploring the CCZ to understand what may be at risk once mining begins. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that deep-sea mining for polymetallic nodules in the area could be damaging.