The Lost Forest

After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found a unique, thriving ecosystem, full of fish, crustaceans, and other unusual organisms.

The region did not contain a reef, a shipwreck, or similar habitat that would attract these creatures. Why were they there? They were feasting on the remains of an ancient cypress forest. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. But how did this forest come to be underwater? And what other treasures might be discovered there?

A group of scientists wanted to investigate this unusual site. Some were interested in an organism found in the underwater forest—the shipworm—that could potentially be used for the creation of life-saving medicines. Others wanted to learn what the forest might reveal about climate change.

Follow along as Jennifer Swanson explores the wonders of the lost forest, from its history and discovery to the scientists’ expeditions to collect samples and map the forest.