A comprehensive global review has identified **57 new living species** of foraminifera, microscopic marine organisms that play a pivotal role in understanding environmental changes. Conducted by a research team led by **Geomarine Research (NZ)**, the study highlights three new species discovered in New Zealand waters.
The findings, published in the journal **Micropaleontology** on **November 14, 2025**, utilized DNA sequencing and morphological analysis to explore foraminifera residing in seafloor sediments of coastal and shallow offshore areas. The research underscores the significance of these organisms, which have existed for millions of years and are instrumental in studying climate change and sea level rise.
The review encompassed over **200 species**, revealing that **33 species** were also found in diverse global locations, indicating they were likely transported by human activity, particularly maritime shipping. This study represents only the second global review of this group, employing both DNA and morphological techniques. The first was conducted by the same team in **2021**.
Diverse Habitats and Global Distribution
The study revealed that the highest diversity of these foraminifera families exists in the **northwest Pacific**, with **74 species** identified along the coasts of **China** and **Japan**. Following closely is the coast of **Australia**, which hosts **58 species**. Notably, Antarctica is devoid of these families, while **24 species** thrive around the shores of the **Arctic Ocean**.
The newly recognized species primarily originate from the **Southern Hemisphere**, an area that has seen less research attention over the past **250 years**. Significant contributions to the new species count come from the southern coast of **Africa** (13), **Australia** (9), and the **northwest Pacific** (8), among others.
“This new study brings the number of recognized species in these families around New Zealand up to **18**,” stated **Dr. Bruce W. Hayward**, a key investigator. The three new species were sampled from locations including **Stewart Island**, **Tolaga Bay**, and **Waitemata Harbor**, and are now preserved in the collections of the **Museum of Auckland** and **Earth Science New Zealand**.
Importance of Foraminifera in Environmental Studies
Foraminifera, resembling tiny amoebas with chambered shells, average about **0.4 mm** in size. They inhabit seafloor substrates in estuaries, harbors, and bays, with populations reaching trillions. Currently, there are approximately **9,000 living species** of foraminifera worldwide, alongside around **40,000 described extinct fossil species**.
Dr. Hayward emphasized their utility in various environmental studies, stating, “Foraminifera are widely used to assess the impacts of pollution and sediment runoff on coastal ecosystems, document historical sea level changes, and analyze past climate shifts.” Their shells, preserved in sediment layers, provide crucial evidence of environmental transformations over time.
Moreover, the study highlights the extensive human-mediated transport of marine species, with **33 non-indigenous species** now established in regions far from their natural habitats. This finding reflects the significant impact of global shipping practices on marine biodiversity.
In conclusion, the identification of these new foraminifera species not only enriches scientific understanding but also enhances the ability to monitor and respond to environmental changes. The research team’s continuous efforts contribute to the global catalog of marine life, paving the way for further studies on these essential organisms.
