Largest known deep-sea coral reef mapped off Florida coast is larger than Vermont: 'It’s eye-opening'

Mapping of the Largest Deep-Sea Coral Reef near Florida

Scientists have utilized new underwater mapping technology to uncover the largest known coral reef deep in the ocean, located off the U.S. Atlantic coast. Although researchers have been aware of the presence of some coral in the Atlantic since the 1960s, the size of this particular reef remained a mystery until now.

Thanks to the advancements in mapping technology, scientists were able to construct 3D images of the ocean floor and reveal the extensive nature of the reef.

Derek Sowers, an oceanographer at the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust, expressed his surprise at the discovery, stating that the largest deep coral reef has been present all this time, 'right under our noses, waiting to be discovered.'

Characteristics of the Reef

The recently mapped deep-sea coral reef extends for approximately 310 miles (499 kilometers) from Florida to South Carolina and reaches a width of up to 68 miles (109 kilometers) at certain points. In terms of total area, it is nearly three times as large as Yellowstone National Park.

Stuart Sandin, a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who was not involved in the study, described the size of the reef as 'eye-opening' and 'breathtaking in scale.'

The depth of the reef ranges from 655 feet to 3,280 feet (200 meters to 1,000 meters), in areas where sunlight is unable to penetrate. Unlike tropical coral reefs that rely on photosynthesis for growth, the coral present in this deep-sea reef filters food particles from the water for energy.

Importance and Vulnerability of Deep Coral Reefs

Deep coral reefs serve as habitats for various marine species, including sharks, swordfish, sea stars, octopuses, and shrimp. These reefs cover a larger portion of the ocean floor compared to tropical reefs. However, they face similar risks such as climate change and disturbance from oil and gas drilling.

According to Erik Cordes, a marine biologist at Temple University and co-author of the study, it is crucial to understand and protect these deep-sea reefs, as they are susceptible to the same threats as their tropical counterparts. Additionally, Cordes mentions that there is potential for the discovery of even larger deep-sea reefs in the future, as a significant portion of the world's ocean floor remains unexplored.