An indigenous fisherwoman in Papua New Guinea has rediscovered the spinach pipefish, a species unseen by science for four decades. Helen Asu caught two specimens while fishing for prawns near the Sepik River during a two-week expedition aimed at finding lost species.

The spinach pipefish, known scientifically as Phyllopteryx dewysea, is a critically endangered species that had not been observed since 1980. Its rediscovery highlights the importance of local knowledge and traditional fishing practices in conservation efforts.

Papua New Guinea's diverse marine ecosystems are under threat from climate change and overfishing, making this discovery particularly significant for biodiversity preservation. The find underscores the need for continued exploration and protection of these fragile environments.