New research reveals surprising link in ocean carbon cycle: Swimming sea cucumbers

What happened

New MBARI research has revealed that the sea cucumber Pelagothuria natatrix plays an important and unexpected role in the ocean's carbon cycle. In a new article published in the journal Ecology, senior scientist Bruce Robison reports that this unique swimming sea cucumber is a prominent member of the midwater community in the Galápagos Islands, intercepting carbon sinking to the deep seafloor.

Key facts

• In a new article published in the journal Ecology, senior scientist Bruce Robison — reports: that this unique swimming sea cucumber is a prominent member of the midwater community in the Galápagos Islands, intercepting carbon sinking to the deep seafloor