One of the largest black coral forests in the Mediterranean has been discovered off the island’s southwest coast, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt.
It is an important scientific discovery not only because of the large stretch of black and white corals found, but also because it was thought that such large coral populations did not exist around the country’s shores. Scientists counted 2,000 colonies of coral at a depth of 300 metres.
“It should be noted that black coral is one of the slowest-growing and longest-living creatures around. It is therefore more vulnerable because it only grows a few millimetres a year,” said marine biologist Alan Deidun, who was part of the team that discovered the corals.
The discovery of the forest at such a depth was made possible through advances in technology – the underwater research vessel that can reach those depths cost about €2,000 per day to use.
The project was implemented by the University of Malta in conjunction with Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), which provided the research vessel because the University does not have the necessary equipment. The discovery also suggests that a new approach is required for the protection of marine areas.
Black coral is one of the longest-living creatures. It’s more vulnerable as it only grows a few millimetres a year
The site was full of discarded fishing lines that pose a danger to the corals as well as fish.
The lines are made of nylon, which does not disintegrate and instead gets entangled with the coral. As the lines sway with the current, the coral colony eventually gets detached.
“We need to rethink marine protected areas to include offshore ones.
“The areas around our coast are already only protected on paper… but we need to extend this exercise to areas that are offshore,” Dr Deidun said.
The forest consists mostly of black and white corals, but in their midst the scientists discovered deep water species never seen before in local areas.
They include giant barnacles, crabs, grouper species and a spiny lobster.
Coral has been prized for many centuries for its perceived protective qualities againstdisease and harmful supernatural forces.
In addition to all of its other qualities, the decorative appeal of coral has always been appreciated in different cultures around the world.