So claimed the marine biologists of Expedition NatGeo about the clear blue waters off Costa Rica’s famed Isla del Coco.  Isla del Coco is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems known to man with some 1,400 species of marine animals and plants.  For three weeks these scientists made daily dives in these waters, searching for new species and studying this habitat that so attracts the thousands that are teaming in these warm Pacific waters.  They currently believe to have found at least ten new species, never before know to man.  The reaction of the scientists is that Isla de Coco is an absolute marvel of nature.  Why?  They give two specific reasons. First is the incredible number of large predator fish that inhabit these waters, especially sharks.  Virtually every type of shark that swims in the Pacific can be found there and in great quantities.  This signifies an ecosystem that is extremely healthy and robust because these predators, being at the very top of the marine food chain, have to have something to eat.  And here they never go hungry!  Secondly, the scientists note the mind-boggling abundance of species of small fish, medusas, corals, micro-organisms and algaes.  As healthy as the ecosystem of Coco is, it is not immune to risk. The chief among them is the illegal fishing that goes on there, despite the strenuous efforts of park guards, and marine conservation organizations like MarViva.  Although the main thrust of the expedition was to explore the submerged mountains located about 35 kilometers off the coast of Coco, known as Las Gemelas, weather allowed only four dives to take place there.  The team hopes to return to learn more about this amazing area.

It just goes without saying that the most beautiful and biologically diverse country in the world would also have the most beautiful and biologically diverse island.  I am talking about the Isla del Coco, which was in the running to be named one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.  The world’s most famous oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, once called Isla del Coco, “the most beautiful island in the world.”  Just off the southern tip are two submerged “mountains” known as Las Gemelas (or, the twins).  A group of fifteen ocean investigators from Mexico, New Zealand, U.S.A., Spain and Costa Rica have embarked on a mission to explore this yet unexplored area.  Las Gemelas form part of the “Dorsal de Cocos, that extends from the Galapagos Islands to the peninsula of Osa in Costa Rica.  Las Gemelas rise to a depth of 250 meters, but also plunge to a depth of 2,000 meters.  The mission is part of the Ocean Now program of National Geographic.  The mission of the program is to explore many of the yet unexplored areas of the ocean within five years.  The group embarked for the island today and will remain there until October 1st.  The director of the mission is Dr. Enric Sala, and he told La Nación that Las Gemelas represent one of the last unexplored places of the world and together with Isla del Coco, are “jewels” of the ocean.  The group hopes to obtain data about yet unknown species of marine life.  Among the high tech equipment that the group has at its disposal is a submarine will make it capable to descend some 400 meters below the surface.  You can keep track of the daily progress of the group from the Ocean Now Blog. 

Click Here for a link to a video of Dr. Enric Sala that explains in his own words, the group’s overall mission.