New Living Organism Discovered in Lake Erie

You are sorely mistaken if you thought scientists had already discovered every life-form on Earth! A recent discovery in Lake Erie has biologists buzzing. This unintentional breakthrough could impact what future generations learn in science class. Here’s what you need to know about the newly found ship goo from Ohio. 

The Life-Form From Lake Erie

Generation Alpha uses the word “Ohio” as a synonym for “weird.” This time, the kids might be onto something. 

Last fall, University of Minnesota Duluth researchers boarded a research ship sailing around Lake Erie. They originally intended to repair the boat’s rudder, which is more complicated in real life than a Lego brick replica of a steamboat. However, they made a groundbreaking discovery on the R/V Blue Heron. 

Discovering the Ship Goo

The rudder shaft produced unusual ship goo with a never-before-seen form of bacteria, likely originating from nearby tar pits. 

After crew members hauled the ship out of the water, Marine Superintendent Doug Ricketts put a sample of the black, tarry substance in a plastic cup and gave it to UMD microbial ecology professor Cody Shiek. 

“I was completely like, we’re not going to get anything off of this,” Shiek said. However, Shiek was surprised to find DNA and biomass after sampling the new life-form in the lab. 

Realizing the Breakthrough

Shiek and his team sequenced the DNA and compared it to historical data. That’s when they knew they’d found a new organism — apparently, one that thrives in a warm, oily and oxygen-free environment.

Sea exploration can lead to fascinating discoveries and help scientists understand past life-forms. Soon, the researchers hope to uncover where the organism came from and its potential uses. For now, the scientists and crew members have dubbed the organism ShipGoo001. 

“There’s a good chance that we’ll learn more about it, and it might turn out to have applications to things that we care about as a society,” said Catherine O’Reilly, director of the Large Lakes Observatory.

What the Ship Goo Discovery Means 

ShipGoo001 could benefit the scientific community if it finds a role in society. O’Reilly said some organisms in the substance produce methane, which could turn into a biofuel source. Imagine driving a fuel-efficient truck like a Chevrolet Silverado, and your fuel contains particles from Lake Erie. How cool would that be? 

The new life-form has a unique DNA structure and is most likely a single-celled organism. However, the scientists are unsure whether the DNA is thread-like, spherical or twisted into the characteristic double helix shape.

What can researchers take away from this discovery? First, they found the organism in an oily environment without oxygen, suggesting experts should look at more human-made creations. While natural settings are the obvious place to search for new creatures, science demands creativity and open-mindedness. 

Asking Critical Questions

Shiek and other UMD researchers will handle the research moving forward, answering people’s questions about the discovery. For example, if ShipGoo001 harms or consumes oil, it could wreak havoc on ships in Lake Erie and require a significant cleanup effort. 

Does the ship goo interact with metals? If so, you may hear about many more scientists getting involved. It could lead to biocorrosion, potentially caused by accelerated activity in microorganisms and metal surfaces. Your vehicle experiences this phenomenon in the fuel tank, so you might need more changes than the standard 20,000-mile service. 

Ultimately, scientists must determine if any discovery represents a threat or advantage to humans. The newly found ship goo could corrode metal, leading to quicker breakdowns and safety issues. However, it could be a boon to society if it breaks down pollutants or supports other organisms. Whether enzymes or compounds, biotechnology could significantly benefit from the creature. 

Past Discoveries Made in the Great Lakes 

It’s classically Ohio for Lake Erie to be home to never-before-seen creatures. While ShipGoo001 is a significant breakthrough, it’s not the only discovery from this side of the Great Lakes. Here are three events from the past few decades. 

1. Bloody Red Shrimp

If you think the name sounds like it comes from the U.K., you’re close. Bloody red shrimp is a freshwater species native to the Black and Caspian seas. Researchers intentionally dispersed this shrimp across Europe between the late 1940s and the 1980s to boost fish productivity. It appeared in the Great Lakes in 2006 and the St. Lawrence River in 2008, likely dispersed from ballast water from vessels crossing oceans and freshwater bodies. Bloody red shrimp are technically invasive, so report it if you encounter it. 

2. Diaphanosoma Fluviatile and Mesocyclops Pehpeiensis

In 2018, scientists found non-native zooplankton species in the western section of Lake Erie. From Detroit to Fort Wayne, people feared these creatures because they’re invasive and potentially dangerous to the water’s health. However, the good news is they’ve become established members of the Great Lakes. 

Discovering Diaphanosoma fluviatile and Mesocyclops pehpeiensis was a landmark, signifying four non-native zooplankton in three years of Lake Erie research. The former is native to South America and the Caribbean, whereas the latter originates from tropical regions of Asia. 

3. Blue-Green Algae 

Blue-green algae have existed in Lake Erie for a long time, but scientists are alarmed at an earlier bloom in 2025 than in 2024. While the levels were low, they are still concerning because they threaten human health. If exposed, you can develop skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory issues. 

Earlier algae appearances indicate climate change is accelerating. These organisms thrive in warm environments, so their blooming means the water heats up earlier in the spring and summer. Algae can disrupt food webs by affecting local fish and invertebrates, thus causing more chaos in the Great Lakes. 

Making Sense of ShipGoo001

When you think you’ve seen it all, ship goo introduces new life-forms to your biology textbook. It’s a testament to science’s ever-evolving potential, where every discovery inspires fresh questions and further exploration. The options are endless, from bacteria in a boat’s rudder to non-native zooplankton. If you charter a boat on Lake Erie, you could uncover the next zoological advancement.