Discover a Freshly Identified Biological Classification
In the depths of the ocean off California, a new species of sun star, Solaster, has been discovered. This fascinating find is just one of many new marine life species discovered each year by the Scripps Benthic Invertebrate Collection Curator and his collaborators. For those who wish to support this groundbreaking research and conservation efforts, the Scripps Oceanographic Collections Fund offers naming opportunities for newly discovered species.
The cost to name a newly discovered species at the Scripps Benthic Invertebrate Collection starts at $6,000. For this donation, supporters will receive a framed print of their named organism, a personal tour of the collection, and a copy of the scientific publication in which the newly named species is first described. Additionally, 80% of the gift funds are directed towards laboratory research, while the remaining 20% support the maintenance of the Benthic Invertebrate Collection.
Recent examples of named species include the scaleworm Peinaleopolynoe mineoi, discovered off the Central American Pacific, named in honor of Ronald M. Mineo, MD, with support from the Mineo family. Another example is the deep-sea tubeworm Laminatubus joycebrooksae and Laminatubus paulbrooksi, found at methane seeps off Central America, named after Joyce and Paul Brooks, Friends of the Scripps Collections.
The complete process from research to peer-reviewed publication typically takes about three years. During this time, the gift funds are used towards research supplies for DNA sequencing and microscopy, publication fees, shipping costs to exchange specimens with collaborators, and the maintenance of the Benthic Invertebrate Collection.
Currently, several species are available for naming, such as Anguillosyllis (a new deep-sea worm from Central America), Dysponetus (a new deep-sea worm off California), Pisionidens (a new worm from Mexico), Protodorvillea (a new worm from Australia), and Sericosura (a new sea spider from Alaska).
For those interested in naming a species, it is best to contact the Scripps Institution of Oceanography or the collection’s administration directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on naming costs and donor benefits.
In addition to naming opportunities, the Scripps Oceanographic Collections Fund supports a wide range of marine research and conservation efforts. By donating to this fund, supporters can make a meaningful impact on our understanding and preservation of the ocean's diverse ecosystems.
- The cost to name a newly discovered marine species at the Scripps Benthic Invertebrate Collection starts at $6,000 and includes a framed print, a personal tour, and a copy of the scientific publication.
- Recently, the scaleworm Peinaleopolynoe mineoi and deep-sea tubeworms Laminatubus joycebrooksae and Laminatubus paulbrooksi were named with financial support and in honor of individuals.
- Research, DNA sequencing, microscopy, publication fees, shipping costs, and collection maintenance are funded by the Scripps Oceanographic Collections Fund.
- Several new marine species are available for naming, such as Anguillosyllis, Dysponetus, Pisionidens, Protodorvillea, and Sericosura, from various locations like Central America, California, Mexico, Australia, and Alaska.
- Donations to the Scripps Oceanographic Collections Fund support not only naming opportunities but also a broad spectrum of marine research and conservation efforts, beneficial to our knowledge and preservation of diverse ocean ecosystems.
