New Sea Lily Species Discovered in the Bahamas
Posted on December 16, 2014
A new species of sea lily has been discovered in the Bahamas. The naming rights are being auctioned on eBay. The new species was found about 1/2 mile below the ocean surface. It was discovered by Charles Messing, Ph.D., a professor from Nova Southeastern University.
The eBay auction can be found here. The current highest bid stands at $4,100. The auction will end on December 22. Money raised from the auction will be used to support research expeditions and graduate student research at Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center.
Sea lilies are extremely rare. Despite their flower-like appearance they are animals and are related to sea stars and sea urchins. Messing says there are only 110 known to exist.
Messing says in a statement, "Imagine finding a tiger roaming the Florida Everglades, that would be rare enough. Now imagine that tiger has six legs - that would be an extremely rare find. That's just how rare a new sea lily is."
The final name of the newly discovered sea lily will be published in an upcoming scientific journal. The eBay naming right would make an amazing holiday gift.
Messing says, "I figured 'why not' - it's a great way for someone to create a lasting legacy while making a significant financial contribution that will help continue the work at NSU's Oceanographic Center. The name can reference the donor, a family member or loved one. This opportunity gives someone a real, concrete way to support marine biology research - there's so much more we need to learn about our oceans and we couldn't do it without the support of our community, and it's a pretty cool gift."