New sponge species found off St. John's

Marine scientists exploring the ocean floor hundreds of kilometres east of St. John's say they've found new species of sponges and previously unidentified corals.

Len Zedel, a Memorial University of Newfoundland oceanographer, collaborated with an expedition aboard the Canadian Coast Guard ship Hudson.

"There was a possibility that we'd get out there and there would be nothing but mud," Zedel said. "That's not what happened. There were all sorts of exciting things. It just doesn't stop surprising us and amazing us."

The scientists used a robot to take photos and collect samples 2,000 metres below the  surface of the Atlantic Ocean. They believe some of the deepwater corals may be more than 1,500 years old.

Their research is being done in parts of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Flemish Cap and the Orphan Knoll, about 500 kilometres east of St. John's. Both areas are near the Grand Banks.

Oil exploration is occurring on the Flemish Cap and drilling is taking place on the Grand Banks.