Overview
- A Journal of Fish Biology paper published in June 2026 brought together two independent in‑situ sightings that include short video clips of live goblin sharks previously known mainly from dead bycatch.
- The recordings originated from archived ROV footage near a seamount northwest of Jarvis Island and a baited bottom‑lander in the Tonga Trench, with one sighting filmed at nearly 2,000 meters depth.
- Researchers say the evidence expands the known geographic and depth range of goblin sharks across much of the Pacific and challenges assumptions based on sparse, mostly fishery‑caught records.
- The observations relied on different deep‑sea platforms and archival video, underscoring the value of ROVs, baited landers, and data reuse for detecting rare species that are hard to study directly.
- Scientists note major knowledge gaps about goblin shark biology and say the new records should be added to regional biodiversity lists and considered in future seabed management as deep‑sea activities increase.