Researchers Find Pristine Coral Reefs In Galápagos: Deep Sea Life Thrives

In an unexpected twist, a team of scientists operating a submersible stumbled upon a group of deep-sea coral reefs in the Galápagos marine reserve that were in pristine condition. The team dived to depths of 600 metres, to the summit of a previously unmapped seamount in the central part of the archipelago, and saw an array of marine life. They reported seeing pink octopus, batfish, squat lobsters, sharks, and rays. The discovery has raised hopes that healthy reefs can still thrive, even when coral is in crisis due to record sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification. Dr Michelle Taylor, a marine biologist at Essex University and co-leader of the expedition, said, "These newly discovered reefs are potentially of global significance – a ‘canary in the mine’ for other reefs globally – sites which we can monitor over time to see how pristine habitats evolve with our current climate crisis.” Taylor's colleague, Dr Stuart Banks of the Charles Darwin Foundation in Ecuador, said the reef helped scientists “reconstruct past ocean environments to understand modern climate change.” The discovery also demonstrated the effectiveness of conservation actions and effective management, which was a good sign for marine life conservationists. The Galápagos is owned by Ecuador, and the country is collaborating with its northern neighbours Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia on a regional marine corridor initiative aimed at protecting and responsibly managing the ocean. The team's discovery is another reason to achieve the commitments of the Global Ocean Alliance 30x30, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. The discovery was financed by the Natural Environmental Research Council in the UK, and the submersible used, HOV Alvin, is owned by the US Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) as part of the US National Science Foundation-funded National Deep Submergence Facility. All in all, the discovery is good news for those who are worried about the state of our oceans, and the team's efforts may help ensure that marine life continues to thrive in the face of rising temperatures and acidification. Who knows what other discoveries may be waiting to be found in the deep blue?