Scientists Dive for New Species

A cooperative research team will be using manned submersibles in the ocean depths around Australia in an attempt to find both rare and new species. (From the Australian.)

"As part of the project, known as Deep Australia, scientists will use special submersibles to travel one kilometre beneath the waves." ...
"The submersibles have special mechanical arms which can be used to collect specimens, and state-of-the-art cameras will record every detail of the underwater adventure.
"Lead researcher Professor Justin Marshall said today that they would be hunting the giant squid and deep sea jellies, which can grow to the size of a bus.
"They also expected to discover a range of new species." ...
"The first of a number of expeditions is expected to get underway in late 2007, with Osprey Reef off the coast of far north Queensland and the outer slope of the Great Barrier Reef tipped to be the first areas to be explored.
"Other potential sites include deep sea canyons off the South Australian and West Australian coasts, and sea mountains off New South Wales and Victoria."

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