New Protection Plan for Deep-Sea Coral Reefs
Friday, August 21st, 2009Deep beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, off the southeastern US, lies there exist a “virtual rainforest” of deep-sea coral reefs which is so expansive it is believed to be one of the world’s largest. The 23,000 sq mile area which stretches from North Carolina to Florida is only a portion of the extensive reef area presently being considered for protection from potential damage by commercial deep water commercial fishing and energy exploration. Environmentalists claim that crab pots and bottom trawling for shrimp are the most immediate threats to this precious resource.
These deep-sea reefs contain countless species unknown to science, and because they are so remote, are regarded as indicators of the ocean’s overall health. These deep-water reefs and pinnacles grow very slowly, and thus represent precious ecological treasure troves. Scientists are only just beginning to understand the true nature of these underwater “frontier zones. To read the full story CLICK.



