Not only might it have the capacity to absorb a lot more carbon than the average cyanobacteria floating in the ocean, but it also sinks rapidly, which means it could also sequester that carbon away from the atmosphere quickly.

Chonkus’ discovery suggests that carbon dioxide-rich seeps into ocean waters may contain other rare and useful organisms, potentially including other organisms that could aid in marine carbon dioxide removal, the researchers say. And when it comes to forestalling the worst effects of climate change, such organisms may not be the heroes we deserve — but they might just be the heroes we need.