A glimpse at some of the 100 new deep sea species discovered off the coast of Chile

Amid underwater mountains off the coast of Chile, scientists believe they’ve discovered 100 or so new species with the aid of a robot capable of diving more than 14,000 feet. Researchers say it demonstrates how the Chilean government’s ocean protections are bolstering biodiversity and providing a model for other countries. John Yang reports.
John Yang:
And finally, tonight, we’d like to show you some of them 100 or so new species scientists believe they discovered amid the underwater mountains off the coast of Chile. They were found using an underwater robot capable of diving more than 14,000 feet.
More than just enriching scientists understanding of ocean life, researchers say it demonstrates how the Chilean government’s ocean protections are bolstering biodiversity and providing a model for other countries.
This unknown species of sea toad looks like something Dr. Seuss might have created. It was found under more than 4,500 feet of water, the whole the beady eyed gaze of a squat lobster resting in coral about 2,200 feet below the surface.
Just before this member of a rarely seen family of whiplash squid had its picture snapped it squirted ink, perhaps a reaction to seeing an alien looking object alongside it more than 3,600 feet down. Among the other species, researchers found glass sponges, deep sea corals and urchins. Scientist say identifying them all could take years.
With about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans and only a fraction of it having been explored. Who knows how many more unknown and unusual creatures have yet to be discovered if their habitats can be preserved.