New Scientist is carrying this report (which includes video and pictures) of an ocean expedition exploring the methane seeps off New Zealand. By first mapping and then diving on these areas where methane or hydrogen sulphide gas escape from stores deep underneath the seabed, scientists discovered a plethora of previously unknown species. Unlike the communities around the better-known deep sea "chimneys" in places like the Atlantic, these sorts of communities rely on cold temperature processes to create energy.

All alone in the night...