Intensive Coral Reef Discovery Close to Curacao Presents Hope for Marine Life – Newest Findings by Royal Netherlands Institute for Marine Analysis

A newly found coral reef off Curacao affords hope for marine life

TEXEL – Researchers from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Marine Analysis (NIOZ) lately made an essential discovery within the deepest waters close to Curaçao. An in depth and undamaged coral reef, characterised by its well being and dimension, was discovered at a higher depth than the conventional coral reefs across the island. The ANP stories this.

This discovery was made throughout an expedition that initially lasted three weeks, however the particulars of the invention have been stored secret for a very long time. The rationale for this was the worry that publicity would trigger harm from human exercise. Solely after cautious evaluation of the video footage collected did the researchers determine to make their findings public.

Lennart de Nooijer, one of many NIOZ researchers, emphasizes the particular character of this discovery. In contrast to the shallower reefs which are usually affected by air pollution and local weather change, this deeper reef seems to be much less weak to such threats. De Nooijer explains that deeper coral reefs have a unique form and fewer species range, however they don’t seem to be essentially as colourful. This newly found reef, which is greater than 100 meters deep, doesn’t present the bleaching results of many shallower reefs.

Though the precise dimension of the reef shouldn’t be but identified, it’s already clear that it’s kilometers lengthy. De Nooijer and his workforce count on there’s rather more to find. Though the present analysis program has been accomplished, De Nooijer doesn’t rule out that extra analysis might be carried out sooner or later, probably together with the set up of measuring devices.

Researcher Furu Mienis emphasizes the significance of defending these deep sea areas whereas they’re nonetheless intact. This is able to get rid of the necessity for future restoration work and assist keep a wholesome coral ecosystem.

This discovery is essential not just for the scientific neighborhood, but additionally for world efforts to guard and protect the biodiversity of coral reefs.

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