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by Hannah Moore

June 9, 2015—Heart urchins, blue sea squirts and colorful sea slugs are among the 100 species found in the deep waters of Verde Island Passage in the Philippines.

Scientists of the California Academy of Science discovered the marine critters during a seven-week exploration of the Coral Triangle, according to NBC News. This year, the long-term expedition funded by the National Science Foundation focused on the Verde Island Passage, a narrow strip of reefs between the islands of Luzon and Mindoro.

On World Oceans Day on Monday, the Academy scientists announced their finding of more than 100 species residing in the Philippine waters.

Although Verde Island Passage is a known home to many sea creatures, Scientists ventured into the south end of the passage which has not been explored as much, reported Nature World News.

The discovery is no surprise as the Philippines is one of Earth’s hotspots for diverse habitat and biodiversity.

"Despite this (diversity) richness, the region's biodiversity has been relatively unknown,” said Terry Gosliner, who led the research for this endeavor. “The species lists and distribution maps that we've created during our years surveying the country's land and sea will help to inform future conservation decisions and ensure that this incredible biodiversity is afforded the best possible chance of survival."

Scientists will soon conduct DNA sequences and other testing on the newly discovered sea creatures. They may discover more species in the process.

The species were discovered 150 to 500 feet below the ocean’s surface. More humans have been to the moon than have been to this partially dark area known as the “twilight zone.”

Among the sea animals discovered are 15 species of fish and multi-colored ctenophores, also known as “comb jellies,” which were found at a 280 feet depth.

Further description and confirmation of the expedition discoveries will be released soon.