In a significant boost to marine biology, a team of researchers from India has identified two previously unknown species of marine worms along the coast of West Bengal. The discovery was made by scientists from the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre (EBRC) of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), located in Gopalpur, Ganjam district.
Details of the Discovery
The breakthrough finding occurred in May at two locations: Digha and Bankiput in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district. After conducting meticulous studies, the researchers confirmed that the worms were indeed new to science. The formal details were published in the international journal Zootaxa on Monday, cementing the discovery in scientific literature.
The newly identified species belong to the Nereididae family. They have been named Namalycastis solenotognatha and Nereis dhritiae. Anil Mohapatra, the in-charge of the EBRC centre and a co-author of the study, explained the etymology and habitat of the first species.
"The name 'solenotognatha' is derived from Greek words meaning 'channelled' and 'jaw', pointing to the unique jaw structure with multiple canals," Mohapatra stated. He added that this species inhabits highly exposed mudflats and polluted, sulphide-rich areas with organically enriched sediments. It is often found associated with decomposing materials like mangrove wood, bark, and coir.
Honouring a Pioneer and Ecological Role
The second species, Nereis dhritiae, carries a name of honour. It was named after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of ZSI, Kolkata, in recognition of her substantial contributions to animal taxonomy. This species is typically found on wooden dock piles on sandy beaches that get submerged during high tide.
These polychaete worms are not just taxonomic curiosities; they play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. Their activities are vital for nutrient cycling and maintaining sediment health, forming the backbone of these fragile environments.
Implications for Biodiversity and Conservation
The discovery adds valuable entries to the global inventory of marine life and underscores the need for continued exploration of India's coastal ecosystems. Jyoshna Pradhan of EBRC, another co-author of the study, highlighted a critical insight.
"The study reveals that most of these species are found in highly polluted coastal areas and regions impacted by human activities," Pradhan noted. This finding points to the remarkable adaptability of some organisms but also signals the pervasive stress on coastal habitats.
Pradhan further emphasized that the discovery from such specialized habitats stresses the importance of understanding polychaete biodiversity in the northern Bay of Bengal. The research team also included noted marine ecologist Tulio F Villalobos-Guerrero from Mexico, marking it as a collaborative scientific effort.
This finding from the ZSI team is a reminder of the vast, unexplored biodiversity in Indian waters and the urgent need to study and protect these complex ecosystems from increasing anthropogenic pressures.
