Deep-sea discoveries

Abstract

Abstract The deep sea holds a fascination for many of us but remains a frontier for discovery, with new species identified during almost every deep-sea expedition. This editorial provides an overview of deep-sea biological exploration, using technological advancement as a framework for summarizing deep-sea discoveries to show their development over time. We also describe some of the many challenges still associated with undertaking research in this remote environment. More qualified people, continued technological advancement and coordinated collaboration are crucial in these frontier regions, where species inventories and ecological understanding are limited. This editorial is the prelude to a selection of 15 recent papers on deep-sea biological discoveries published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.