However, their expectations were upended when they discovered something entirely different.
The team, upon reaching the site off the Pacific coast, found a volcano emitting warm water.
This remarkable find was a boon for local marine life, as the hot, mineral-rich fluids from the volcano supported their survival.
For the team led by marine biologist Dr. Cherisse Du Preez, what came as an even greater surprise was the sight of large eggs scattered across the summit.
They later identified the egg-layers as Pacific white skates, a type of marine creature.
Throughout their two-week expedition, the scientists observed these creatures moving among the fronds, laying eggs.
Interestingly, Pacific white skates are related to sharks and rays, and they produce rectangular eggs.
Dr. Du Preez noted that these are often referred to as ‘mermaid purses’ due to their handbag-like appearance.
Speaking to Live Science about their discoveries, Dr. Du Preez remarked: “It’s a really special place on top of a really special place.”
“The only previous finding of a Pacific white skate nursery was in the Galapágos and I think was on the order of a dozen or two eggs.”
Dr. Du Preez explained that the volcano’s surface was densely covered with eggs, each measuring about 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) in diameter.
Experts believe that Pacific white skates take up to four years to hatch and mature into adults.
“The warm water likely speeds up the gestation period of the eggs, resulting in more successful juveniles,” Dr. Du Preez stated.
“The shallow summit of the seamount is almost a coral garden and a safe nursery for juveniles to grow before they descend to the deep – it’s a win-win.”
Sadly, this egg-laden underwater mountain is not currently protected and faces threats from fishing activities.
Nonetheless, the research team has committed to ongoing monitoring of the seamount.