A comprehensive global review has unveiled 57 new living species of foraminifera, a type of tiny marine organism vital for studying environmental changes. The research, led by a team from New Zealand, utilized DNA sequencing and physical characteristics to analyze these species found in the seafloor sediments of coastal and shallow offshore regions. The findings were published in the journal Micropaleontology on November 14, 2025.
Foraminifera, which have existed for millions of years, offer insights into significant issues such as climate change and sea level fluctuations. The study identified over 200 species, with 33 found in various global locations, indicating they may have been unintentionally transported by ships. This research is only the second global review of foraminifera employing both molecular and morphological techniques, following a previous study by the same team in 2021.
Distribution and Diversity of New Species
The review highlighted that the greatest diversity of these foraminifera families is located in the northwest Pacific, with 74 species identified along the coasts of China and Japan. The coast of Australia follows with 58 species. Notably, the Antarctic Ocean lacks these families, while 24 species inhabit the Arctic Ocean.
The newly recognized species predominantly stem from the Southern Hemisphere, which has seen less research in the past 250 years. The study revealed that the highest number of new species emerged from southern Africa (13), followed by Australia (9) and the northwest Pacific (8). Other regions contributing new species include the Mediterranean, northern Indian Ocean, South America, New Zealand, and various Pacific Islands.
“This new study brings the number of recognized species in these families around New Zealand up to 18,” stated Dr. Bruce W. Hayward, a leading researcher in the study. The newly discovered species were collected from Stewart Island, Tolaga Bay, and Waitemata Harbor, and are now preserved in the collections of the Museum of Auckland and Earth Science New Zealand.
Importance of Foraminifera in Environmental Studies
Foraminifera are minute marine organisms that resemble amoebas and possess chambered shells, averaging around 0.4 mm in size. They thrive in large populations in sea-floor sand and mud, particularly in estuaries, harbors, and bays, extending to depths of approximately 100 meters. Currently, there are about 9,000 species of living foraminifera globally, alongside 40,000 described extinct fossil species.
These organisms play a crucial role in understanding the impacts of pollution and sediment runoff on coastal ecosystems. They are instrumental in documenting historical sea level changes and analyzing the frequency and magnitude of coastal earthquakes and tsunamis. As Dr. Hayward emphasized, “We need to be able to identify the foraminifera to be able to use them in these applied studies.”
The study also underscored the significant extent of human-related transport of marine species in recent centuries. At least 33 non-indigenous species have been identified in locations far from their original habitats, highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems due to human activity.
This research not only enhances the understanding of foraminifera diversity but also emphasizes their importance in studying environmental changes and the impact of human actions on marine species distribution.
