Sarah Gotheil, from IUCN Global Marine Programme, snapped this photo in the course of her research into fragile species and ecosystems. A new project led by IUCN will unveil the mysteries of southern Indian Ocean seamounts and help improve conservation and management of resources. Two research expeditions will survey seamounts, underwater mountains of volcanic origin that are hotspots of marine biodiversity. For more about this project, visit the IUCN website.