WORLD'S LARGEST DEEP-WATER CORAL REEF

26-01-2024

Context:

In January, 2024 Scientists Discover the World’s Largest Deep-sea Coral Reef Habitat, using new underwater mapping technology.
This coral reef is located off the Atlantic coast of the United States.

A coral reef is a big group of small animals called coral polyps living together in the ocean. These polyps make hard skeletons from calcium carbonate, which build up to form the reef's structure.
Coral reefs are home to many different sea creatures like fish, crabs, and shellfish.
These reefs are important because they help in keeping the ocean full of life and protect shores from large, destructive waves.
1. Examples: the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (world’s largest tropical coral reef system), the Belize Barrier Reef in Central America.

The reef is approx. 500 km in length, from Florida to South Carolina. At some points, its width is 110 km.
Found in deep parts of the ocean, from 200 to 1,000 meters down, where sunlight can't reach.
It's the biggest deep-water coral reef found, but the Great Barrier Reef is the biggest one in shallow water.
1. Scientists think there might be even bigger deep-sea reefs out there because only a quarter of the ocean floor has been studied closely.

Aspect	Significance	Threats
Biodiversity	Homes to diverse sea creatures.	Pollution from coastal development
Coastal Protection	Natural barriers against waves and storms	Coastal construction and harmful fishing practices
Tourism	Boosts local economies, offers recreational activities	Careless tourism damages reefs and marine life
Fisheries	Essential breeding and nursery grounds for fish	Overfishing and habitat destruction endangers fishes.
Climate Change	No significance.	Warmer seas and acidification weaken coral structures. Leads to Coral bleaching.

Aspect	Deep Water Coral Reefs	Shallow Water Coral Reefs
Depth Range	Deep, typically 200 - 1,000 meters	Shallow, usually less than 30 meters
Light Availability	Limited to no sunlight penetration	Abundant sunlight penetration
Food	Rely on Photosynthetic algae	Feed on small plankton or available organic material
Coral Growth	Filter food particles for energy	Relies on photosynthesis for energy
Examples	Coral reefs found in deeper oceanic regions	Reefs commonly found near coastlines
Threats	Vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances.	Vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and overfishing, Oil and gas drilling.

Global Initiatives
1. International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI): A team effort between governments, NGOs, and international groups dedicated to saving coral reefs worldwide.
2. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 14 focuses on protecting oceans, seas, and marine life, including efforts to save and revive coral reefs.
Indian Initiatives:
1. National Coral Reef Research Institute: Set up to study, track, and protect coral reefs in India.
2. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Program: A plan to safeguard India's coasts and seas, including coral reefs, by using sustainable methods.
3. Coral Reef Conservation Programs: Collaborative projects involving government, scientists, and local people to safeguard Indian coral reefs.