Breckenridge Destinations supports independent journalism. Click for great deals on vacation lodging in Breckenridge.
Corals, rockfish and sponges found at unprecedented depths
Black coral (Antipathes species) with a rosy rockfish in it on “Cochrane Bank,” -95 meters depth, 9.5° Celsius. This coral is two meters across and suspected to be at least 100 years old. The coral had many crabs and juvenile fish living in it. The stems/skeletons of black corals are black, but the living tissue is usually orange or white. Photo courtesy NOAA.
By Summit Voice
FRISCO — The foggy wave-torn coast of northern California may not seem like a haven for coral at first glance, but NOAA researchers say they’ve recently discovered a treasure trove of new deep sea habitats in the Gulf of Farallones Sanctuary, not far from San Francisco.
The area is a melting pot for deep sea corals, sponges, rockfish, and other species.
A partnership of federal and independent scientists found the rocky reef habitats in October in an area at depths of up to 457 meters, where such corals and sponges had not been seen before. (more…)
Filed under: biodiversity, Environment, Marine biology, ocean conservation | Tagged: biodiversity, black coral, California, California Academy of Sciences, Farallon Islands, Farallones Sanctuary, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, marine biology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oceans | Leave a Comment »
Arapahoe Basin supports independent journalism. Click to visit The Legend online.
Powder's falling at Monarch!! Have you reserved your spot yet?
Innovative energy underwrites coverage of energy stories.
