A report of sea cucumbers collected on the first dedicated deep-sea biological survey of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories around Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)

A new species of sea cucumber, Deima oloughlini, was discovered during the first dedicated deep-sea biological survey of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories around Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The survey, conducted in 2021 and 2022 aboard the RV Investigator, used beam trawls to collect sea cucumbers from seamounts and the seafloor, revealing previously unknown biodiversity. The study also documented range extensions for several species and provided genetic data for taxonomic identification. Samples are now housed at Museums Victoria, with findings to be integrated into the Australian Faunal Directory and Atlas of Living Australia. Funded by multiple institutions including Parks Australia and Ocean Census, this research highlights the ecological significance of deep-sea environments in these remote territories.

Mackenzie, M., Davey, N., Burghardt, I., & Haines, M. L. (2024). A report of sea cucumbers collected on the first dedicated deep-sea biological survey of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories around Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea). Memoirs of Museum Victoria, 207–316. https://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.2024.83.03