Deep-sea species named after T&T marine scientist

A marine scientist from UWI St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago has been honoured in a major way for her important contributions to the field.

This with the naming of a new deep-sea species after her.

The new species of tubeworm, Lamellibrachia judigobini, is named in honour of Caribbean marine ecologist, Professor Judith Gobin, who is a Professor of Marine Biology.

In a release, the University noted an international team of scientists, led by Dr. Magdalena Georgieva of the Natural History Museum in London, UK, and which included T&T marine biologist, Dr. Diva Amon, chose to celebrate Professor Gobin, who is the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Dr. Georgeiva noted “we loved the idea of naming this very special deep-sea tubeworm after Judi, to honour her many contributions to revealing and protecting the marine life of the Caribbean and beyond. She is a key member of the deep-sea research community and I hope this discovery inspires plenty more in the deep oceans of the region.”

Commenting on the honour, Professor Gobin said “this must surely be a crowning point of my extensive marine career and I am truly honoured. I sincerely thank the authors.” She notes she hopes deep-sea science will continue to grow in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Lamellibrachia judigobini tubeworm is known to inhabit deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents stretching from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to the Gulf of Mexico. It is possibly also present at the Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano off the island of Grenada.

The new species can grow to over 1 metre long and was collected by Remotely Operated Vehicle during several deep-sea exploratory missions stretching from 2012 to 2014.

About The Author