Hidden in plain sight: The giant deep-sea discovery that caught California scientists by surprise

A routine deep-sea survey off Southern California unexpectedly revealed massive, ancient sponge mounds, previously hidden in a well-explored area. These structures, vital nurseries for marine life, were found to be largely composed of dead sponges, whose skeletons form a base for new growth. The discovery highlights how much remains unknown even in familiar marine environments.

Hidden in plain sight: The giant deep-sea discovery that caught California scientists by surprise
A routine deep-sea survey off Southern California unexpectedly revealed massive, ancient sponge mounds, previously hidden in a well-explored area. These structures, vital nurseries for marine life, were found to be largely composed of dead sponges, whose skeletons form a base for new growth. The discovery highlights how much remains unknown even in familiar marine environments.