Scientists discover million-egg nursery inside active underwater volcano VIDEO

According to a new article, Glass Almanac features that a deep-sea expedition off Vancouver Island has uncovered an extraordinary secret beneath the Pacific Ocean—an underwater volcano is home to a hidden nursery where thousands, potentially millions, of giant eggs are incubating in the warmth of volcanic heat.

In 2019, researchers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada set out to explore a 2,000-square-kilometer seamount, rising over 1,100 meters above the ocean floor. Initially thought to be dormant, the volcano surprised the team by releasing mineral-rich hot water, indicating ongoing geological activity. This geothermal heat has created an unusual environment, providing a safe haven for marine life, including deep-sea corals, sponges, and now, white skate rays.

Scientists were stunned when they discovered these rays (Bathyraja spinosissima) laying eggs in vast numbers on the summit of the volcano, located 1.5 kilometers below the ocean's surface. The scale of the reproductive event was unprecedented. Initial surveys suggest the site could contain hundreds of thousands, possibly over a million eggs—far beyond previous records for this species.

Even more remarkable is the size of the eggs. The rays lay egg cases up to 50 centimeters in length, resembling soft, curved pillows or ravioli. These unusually large eggs provide enough nutrients to ensure the embryos can survive the harsh deep-sea environment.

Typically found at depths between 800 and 2,900 meters, white skate rays are challenging to study. Scientists now believe the volcanic warmth may help accelerate the development of the embryos, reducing the usual four-year incubation period. The volcano's summit also offers sheltered terrain, providing a safer environment for vulnerable hatchlings before they head into deeper waters.

This discovery underscores the importance of protecting deep-sea ecosystems, which are fragile and increasingly threatened by climate change and deep-sea mining. The hidden nursery of giant eggs is a reminder of the vast, unexplored wonders that the deep ocean holds, urging further exploration and global conservation efforts.

By Naila Huseynova