A group of marine biologists in the Philippines have unearthed a startling new discovery. The above pictured Halimaw Sa Dagat, or Monster of the Sea, was found in ocean depths immediately surrounding the island in the South China Sea.
The creature most closely related to the eel family was not found alive, but it’s proximity to nearby feeding areas suggests that there are potentially a vast number of these lurking beneath the surface.
Poor fishing conditions and rebel pirate activity has rendered this area mostly uncharted by local scientists. It has only been since recent catastrophic weather events that the marine biologists feel they can safely continue their practice of discovery and observation of local ecosystems.
“It’s amazing what is swimming in these waters, right underneath our noses,” Dr. Pad Mee explains, “this discovery may provide the missing link between eel, dragon and sea serpent.”
Critics are skeptical of the discovery, citing evolutionary evidence to the contrary of such a creature existing. Luckily, Dr. Mee and her team of scientists have an entire myriad of genus examples that defy the evolutionary odds in similar ways of the Halimaw.
“Many species within the animal kingdom that were once hailed as mythological creatures, have been shown to be direct descendants or ancestors to current and well accepted species,” she explains, “take the archeoraptor for example. Many people to this day think that dinosaurs are mythological creatures, even though there are animals linking fossil evidence to modern-day birds. That’s a huge leap in the evolutionary record, and sets the precedent for discoveries such as what we’re speaking of today.”
The case is only made stronger when ancient maps and depictions of these kinds of creatures have been found all over the world.
Ancient map with scale sea serpent depiction
Dr. Mee is currently working with DNA experts to correctly classify the animal, although the Filipino pronunciation “Halimaw Sa Dagat” will likely remain the scientific name. There are 4 more expeditions planned in the area over the next 6 weeks. One will include an unmanned submarine, donated by the United States, to continually videotape deep near the ocean floor. The marine biologists involved hope to capture one of these magnificent beasts alive and interacting in their natural habitat.
Until that expedition, there are giant nets set up in the immediate vicinity to catch any family that may have been traveling with the lone serpent. Nets are emptied twice daily, to fully optimize chances of catching a Halimaw Sa Dagat alive.
