(UPI, 22 March 2008) -- WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Experts discovered giant-sized sea snails, star fish and hundreds of other unusual species while studying New Zealand's Antarctic waters. Scientists found the species while on 50-day voyage that covered 2,000 miles aboard the research craft Tangaroa in the Ross Sea, New Zealand marine expert Don Robertson said. The voyage, which came to an end this week, is a facet of the International Polar Year program, which includes experts from 23 countries and 10 more exploration trips to examine Antarctic sea life, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"Doing this census really has been a voyage of discovery," said Mary Livingston, New Zealand Fisheries Ministry scientist. The program's exploration trips are to end in July 2009, but examining the 30,000 creatures found in the Ross Sea may add two years to the program, the Telegraph reported. (See also Ray Lilley, "Giant Marine Life Found in Antarctica," AP via PhysOrg.com, 21 March 2008)

Tagged: IPY project, News