"Exploring Easter Island's Underwater Realms: Unveiling New Marine Species and Mysteries"

An expedition off the coast of Easter Island has revealed an underwater mountain chain teeming with previously unknown deep-sea species, including at least 50 new to science. The researchers discovered a variety of astonishing creatures, such as the deepest photosynthesis-dependent animal ever found, a flying spaghetti monster, and a luminescent deep-sea dragonfish. The expedition documented marine life on the Salas y Gómez Ridge, highlighting the importance of protecting the entire ridge and establishing new marine protected areas.