Saw You in the News - 10.3.2025

Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea coral, Iridogorgia chewbacca, in the Mariana Trench and near Hawaii! Named for its resemblance to the tall, furry Star Wars character Chewbacca, this coral’s long, flexible branches make it a truly remarkable addition to our understanding of Pacific biodiversity. This discovery is particularly meaningful for the CNMI as the Mariana Trench lies just east of our islands, and the surrounding waters are home to diverse deep-sea ecosystems that are critical to ocean health. Findings like this underscore the CNMI’s unique role in the Pacific as a hotspot for scientific research and marine conservation, and are a reminder that our oceans still hold mysteries waiting to be discovered.  

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