Scientists discover 52 new species, 8 sea mounts in deepwater

The joint expedition of Indonesia and the United States has found 52 new species and eight sea mounts in deep waters in eastern Indonesia, local media reported on Tuesday.

The two-month expedition taking place in Sangihe Talaud of North Sulawesi ended on Monday. It is carried out by Indonesian scientist and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) .

The species were found at the depth between 300 to 2,000 meters beneath the ocean's surface. They include fish, shrimp, coral and shells.

Researchers also identified six sea mounts near North Siau Island and two sea mounts near Bunaken.

"We found the sea mounts 700-1,600 meters below the sea," Indonesian deep sea research team leader Sugiarta Wirasantoso was quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying.

During the expedition, the scientists used a remotely operated vehicle to get a glimpse of deepwater biodiversity in the waters of Sangihe-Talaud region.