Centuries-Old, Record-Breaking Coral Discovered in New Zealand
An impressive discovery has been made in the waters of Fiordland National Park, Aotearoa New Zealand. Researchers from Victoria University have uncovered a massive black coral, estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old. This remarkable find highlights both the age and size of this coral species.
Record-Breaking Coral Discovery in New Zealand
The coral, identified as Antipathella fiordensis, stands at four metres tall and spans 4.5 metres in width. This makes it one of the largest black corals documented in the region. Interestingly, despite its name, the coral appears white due to its living tissue, while its skeleton remains black.
Significance of the Discovery
Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka, emphasized the importance of this find. He stated, “It’s by far the largest black coral I’ve seen in my 25 years as a marine biologist.” In his experience, most black corals encountered during dives are much smaller, typically ranging from two to three metres in height. Thus, the discovery of this specimen is both exciting and significant.
Environmental Concerns
Large corals like the one discovered play a crucial role in the ecosystem as vital breeding stocks. However, they are under increasing threat due to various factors:
- Rising ocean temperatures
- Ocean acidification
- Destructive fishing practices
In the past four decades, the global coral reef population has halved. Alarmingly, last year, a vessel engaged in bottom trawling removed six tonnes of protected coral in a single incident. This event marks the worst case of coral destruction reported in Aotearoa New Zealand in over ten years.
The findings of this centuries-old, record-breaking coral underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts. Protecting these ecosystems is vital to ensure the survival of such magnificent marine life for future generations.
