Researchers from Conservation International claim to've found what may be "the epicenter of marine biodiversity on the planet." Situated in the Bird's Head Seascape, in the northwestern part of Indonesia's Papua province, CI's Dr. Mark Erdmann states, "We were simply blown away by what we found." In addition to the 1200+ species of fish and 600+ species of coral previously-documented in the region, a new survey revealed epaulette sharks that "walk" on their pectoral fins (check out the video and see for yourself!). In total, some 20 corals, 24 fish and 8 mantis shrimp heretofore unknown to science were discovered. Apparently, the area boasts a mixture of deep basins and shallow waters, which provide "species factories" ideal for species to evolve in isolation.

Deep within in the so-called "Coral Triangle" (bounded loosely by PNG, the Philippines, and the Solomons) -- an area 1/10th the size of the Great Barrier Reef -- some of the sites surveyed have the highest diversity of hard corals ever recorded: more than 250 species within a single hectare. "That's more than four times the number of coral species of the entire Caribbean Sea in an area roughly the size of two football fields," says Erdmann. Yes, you read that right, but still: read it again: "That's more than four times the number of coral species of the entire Caribbean Sea in an area roughly the size of two football fields." Unbelievable. Better make sure your camera's memory is empty...and huge!

Naturally, the area is delicate, including threats from overfishing, human encroachment, and the big nasty -- global warming. Consequently, CI and its partners are working with the Indonesian government to protect the area, and to manage it in a sustainable way. Let's hope this does not include closing it off to divers!