Scientists Discover World’s 'Most Expansive Coral Reef Systems Ever Recorded'

[senona]

Discoveries show these low light reefs may serve as refuge for some species.

October 4, 2016 NOAA-supported scientists working in the Hawaiian Archipelago are calling some of the deep coral reefs found in the region’s so-called oceanic “twilight zone” the most extensive on record, with several large areas of 100 percent coral cover. They also found that the deep coral reefs studied have twice as many species that are unique to Hawaii than their shallow-water counterparts.

This extensive study of the Hawaiian deep coral reefs, known as mesophotic coral ecosystems, led to some incredible finds published recently in the scientific journal PeerJ.offsite link.

These mesophotic coral ecosystems, the deepest of the light-dependent coral reef communities found between 100 and 500 feet below the ocean’s surface, lie well beyond the limits of conventional scuba diving and are among the most poorly explored marine habitats on Earth. Scientists used a combination of submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, and technical diving to study these difficult-to-reach environments.

Of the fish species documented on mesophotic reefs, 43 percent were unique to the Hawaiian Islands, which is more than double the 17 percent of unique species found on shallow Hawaiian reefs.

At the northern end of the archipelago, in the recently expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, nearly all of the species are unique to the region, the highest level recorded from any marine ecosystem on Earth. These findings could offer further insight into the monument’s management.

In Maui’s ʻAu‘au Channel, scientists discovered the largest uninterrupted mesophotic coral ecosystem ever recorded, extending more than three square miles at approximately 160 to 300 feet deep and including areas of 100 percent coral cover.

noaa.gov

Mesophotic coral ecosystems, such as this one found at 230 feet in Maui's 'Au'au Channel, are populated with many of the same fish species found on shallow reefs. (NOAA and Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory)

What gorgeous waters! Beautiful.
Finally, some good news about Mother Nature.
Great find indeed.


 

“There is still so much of our ocean that is unexplored,” said W. Russell Callender, assistant NOAA administrator for the National Ocean Service.

“Working with academic partners and using innovative technology will enhance our scientific understanding of these important habitats and increase the resiliency of these valuable ecosystems.”

Yes, there is so much unexplored in our oceans.
But with today's technology, hopefully more will be discovered in time.