In an incredible discovery beneath the waves off Vancouver Island, scientists have found thousands of giant eggs nestled inside an active underwater volcano. The eggs belong to the elusive Pacific white skate, a deep-sea creature that continues to puzzle marine biologists. What’s even more fascinating? These skates have chosen the volcano’s warm, mineral-rich waters as a natural incubator for their young.
First spotted in 2019, the volcano was once thought to be dormant. But a research expedition led by marine biologist Cherisse Du Preez revealed a vibrant marine habitat thriving around its 3,600-foot summit. This warm underwater environment turned out to be the perfect cradle for developing skate embryos, which normally face harsh, frigid conditions at ocean depths of up to 9,500 feet.
The Pacific white skate is a deep-dwelling species, growing up to 6.5 feet in length. Its eggs are unusually large—almost 20 inches across—and require a staggering four years to fully develop. The gentle warmth from the volcano shortens this journey, acting like nature’s own incubator and offering a safe haven for these future giants.
In 2023, scientists even witnessed a skate laying an egg near the summit—clear evidence that this fiery nursery is no accident. Similar discoveries near the Galápagos Islands suggest this could be a broader survival strategy used by various marine species.
This find not only opens a window into the skate’s secret life but also highlights how Earth’s most extreme environments can become sanctuaries of life.