A Greenpeace expedition to a previously unexplored seamount in the Arctic Ocean has potentially discovered at least seven new species, including three sponges and four amphipods, during dives conducted at depths of around 9,842 feet (3,000 meters). The research team filmed diverse ecosystems comprising sponge gardens and bamboo coral, revealing the intricate interactions of life in these deep-sea environments. The sponges, among the oldest animal lineages on Earth, may contain unique chemical compounds that could lead to new treatments for diseases. The Norwegian government has opened this area for deep-sea mining, raising alarms among scientists and environmentalists about the potential destruction of these fragile ecosystems before they are fully understood. The expedition's data will be used to advocate for the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard these habitats and their biodiversity. The findings could significantly influence Norway's decisions regarding mining activities after 2029, as Greenpeace calls for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining and aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.