Finding Sanctuary: Discovery, Protection of Ancient Coral Gardens in Our Backyard
In the vast, blue expanse that is the ocean, lies a trove of ecological wonders that many have yet to uncover. Among these marine marvels are coral gardens that surpass the imagination, nestled in places so remote, their existence remains a secret to the vast majority. A stroke of serendipity and ideal conditions led a dedicated team from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to an extraordinary discovery off the coast of California.
During an unexpectedly available day for exploration in December 2013, researchers turned their sights towards Sur Ridge, a prominent underwater feature located 30 miles from Point Sur. This ridge stretches across 11 miles in length and 3 miles in width, with depths ranging from 2,700 to 5,100 feet. The team’s decision to explore this area unveiled a spectacle hidden beneath the waves: a vibrant, ancient coral garden sprawling across the ocean floor.
“The control room buzzed with excitement as we laid eyes on these corals much earlier in the dive than anticipated. Their dazzling presence all day marked the uncovering of a true undiscovered coral sanctuary,” narrated a leading scientist from the research team. Another colleague added, “To describe our astonishment as ‘gobstruck’ would be an understatement. We stumbled upon a realm more precious than any treasure, with corals towering up to 6 feet and some possibly dating back a thousand years. It was a profound privilege to be among the first humans to witness such a special corner of our planet.”
Following this momentous discovery, Sur Ridge has transformed into a unique deep-sea coral observatory. The initiative involves comprehensive studies: tracking ocean currents, analyzing the “marine snow” that falls to the seafloor, frequent photographic surveillance of coral life, collecting environmental DNA, monitoring underwater sounds, and conducting climate change response experiments among the coral communities. “The sponges, too, play a crucial role, forming dense habitats that crucially sustain the ridge’s ecosystem,” explained a marine biology specialist, noting the innovative techniques employed to study these fascinating creatures.
Research at Sur Ridge has not only enriched our understanding of deep-sea corals but also spearheaded pioneering methods for deep-sea coral restoration. These techniques are indispensable for rejuvenating damaged coral and sponge habitats following incidents such as oil spills or the detrimental effects of sunken structures and fishing gear. The restoration strategies devised here are now aiding efforts to rehabilitate marine environments in places like the Gulf of Mexico, as well as closer to the California coastline.
Efforts to ensure the protection of these critical habitats are underway, with plans to establish coral research and restoration areas safeguarded from potentially harmful fishing practices. These measures aim to shield the invaluable coral communities at Sur Ridge, particularly from the damage that can be caused by heavy fishing equipment, while also considering the livelihoods of local fishermen.
As the journey to comprehend and conserve the Sur Ridge coral oasis forges ahead, the collective ambition of researchers remains as deep as the waters they explore. “Sur Ridge ranks as one of my all-time favorite destinations across the globe’s oceans. The opportunity to employ cutting-edge technology for the sake of preserving these marine resources for posterity is a privilege that fills me with pride,” shared a seasoned remotely operated vehicle pilot from the team.
Indeed, nestled within our oceanic backyard is a national treasure—a rich tapestry of marine life and research innovation that continues to captivate and inspire marine scientists and enthusiasts worldwide.
Leave a Reply