A comprehensive global review has identified **57 new living species** of foraminifera, tiny marine organisms that play a crucial role in studying environmental changes. The research, led by a team from **Geomarine Research** in New Zealand, utilized DNA sequencing and morphological analysis to describe these species, three of which were found in New Zealand waters. The findings were published on **November 14, 2025**, in the journal **Micropaleontology**.
Foraminifera are microscopic creatures, averaging around **0.4 mm** in size, that inhabit the seafloor sediments of coastal and shallow offshore areas. They have existed for millions of years and serve as indicators of environmental shifts, such as climate change and sea level rise. This study assessed over **200 species**, revealing that **33 species** had also been documented in various global locations, suggesting they may have been unintentionally transported by ships in recent history.
Insights into Biodiversity and Distribution
The research marks only the second global review of foraminifera, employing a combination of genetic and physical characteristics. The first review was conducted by the same team in **2021**. This latest study found that the most significant diversity of these organisms occurs in the **northwest Pacific**, with **74 species** identified along the coasts of **China** and **Japan**. **Australia** follows closely with **58 species**, while the **Arctic Ocean** hosts **24 species** and **Antarctica** is notably absent of these families.
Dr. Bruce W. Hayward, a key researcher in the project, stated, “This new study brings the number of recognized species in these families around New Zealand up to **18**.” The three new species collected from **Stewart Island**, **Tolaga Bay**, and **Waitemata Harbor** are now preserved in the collections of the **Museum of Auckland** and **Earth Science New Zealand**.
Importance of Foraminifera in Environmental Studies
Foraminifera are essential for studying coastal ecosystems, particularly in understanding the impacts of pollution, sediment runoff, and historical sea level changes. Their shells, which are often preserved in sediment sequences, provide invaluable data regarding past environmental conditions. Dr. Hayward emphasized their significance by stating, “We need to be able to identify the foraminifera to use them in these applied studies.”
The study also highlighted the extent of human influence on marine biodiversity. At least **33 non-indigenous species** have been identified living far from their original habitats, underscoring the impact of human activity on the distribution of marine life.
Currently, there are approximately **9,000** recognized living foraminifera species globally, alongside **40,000** described extinct species. With this new research, the understanding of foraminifera and their role in marine ecosystems continues to expand, offering insights that are crucial for addressing environmental challenges.
The work conducted by Dr. Hayward and his team exemplifies the importance of thorough research in documenting marine biodiversity and its implications for environmental science. The findings from this study not only enhance the scientific community’s understanding of foraminifera but also contribute to broader discussions on conservation and marine management.
