North America’s Pacific Coast

Scientists Identify Two New Sea Spider Species Off Canada’s Pacific Coast

Researchers have identified two previously unknown sea spider species off the Pacific coast of Canada, including one with striking red eyes, three lips and unusually hairy legs. The discovery, reported by scientists studying marine biodiversity in the region, underscores how much of the ocean’s life remains undocumented even in well-sampled waters. It also highlights the value of basic taxonomy to climate and conservation science, where knowing what lives in an ecosystem is the first step to tracking change.