"Discovery of 'Barbie Pigs' and Other Bizarre New Species Near Deep-Sea Mining Site"

Researchers have discovered whimsical new marine life, including a bright pink 'Barbie pig' sea cucumber, near the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the deep sea, which is targeted for seabed mining due to its rich metal reserves. The project aims to develop an ecological census of the region to assess potential impacts of mining activities. The discovery of these new species, such as the 'unicumber' sea pig and the 'Rattail fish,' highlights the need for further research to understand the unique and sparse ecosystem of the CCZ.