Scientists Find 2.6 Million Golden Eggs Near Pacific Underwater Volcano

Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust

A deep-sea survey in 2019 near a volcanic seamount off the Pacific coast has uncovered approximately 2.6 million golden-skinned eggs, believed to belong to the Pacific white skate. Found in frigid depths, this discovery challenges what scientists thought possible in harsh ocean environments.

Marine biologists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada documented the eggs carpeting the summit of the seamount, which lies nearly a mile below sea level. Initial estimates suggest the eggs number in the millions.

The eggs’ golden coloration and sheer abundance mark an exceptional reproductive event by a species known for slow, low-volume breeding at extreme ocean depths.

“And this geothermally heated hot spot was covered in giant eggs. We think the main nursery is home to 2.6 million golden eggs that take up to 10 years to incubate.” Lead researcher Cherisse Du Preez said in an email to USA Today.

These eggs, attributed to Bathyraja spinosissima (Pacific white skate), inhabit areas previously thought too cold for successful reproduction. The seamount’s volcanic activity appears to produce slight thermal elevation, potentially speeding up egg incubation, normally lasting 4–10 years in cold deep waters.

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) captured video footage of egg cases clustered across the rocky seamount and recorded actual nesting behavior when adult skates appeared on camera. These images confirmed the eggs were fresh and viable rather than fossil remnants.

Research Implications

For marine scientists, these findings open inquiries into how volcanic environments shape reproductive strategies in deep-sea species. Genetic testing is underway to verify the species origin; preliminary results support the Pacific white skate identification, but some eggs might belong to other skates.

Conservation Considerations

Because geothermal hotspots like this seamount support rare reproductive gatherings, they may require protection from deep-sea mining or warming-driven ecosystem shifts. Fisheries and Oceans Canada plans ongoing monitoring to ensure the site remains undisturbed.

This unexpected aggregation of skate eggs shows the deep sea remains full of surprises. Future exploration may uncover further unique breeding sites, reshaping understanding of how life persists under extreme conditions.