Researchers exploring the deep waters of Fiordland have discovered a giant black coral measuring 4 meters (13 feet) high and 4.5 meters (15 feet) wide.
The protected coral is estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old and is believed to be one of the largest black corals ever recorded in New Zealand’s Aotearoa waters.
Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Victoria University of Wellington’s Te Herenga Waka, said the discovery was “absolutely huge”.
“This is by far the largest black coral I’ve seen in my 25 years as a marine biologist. Most black corals I encounter while diving are small, and the larger corals are usually less than 2-3 meters in height, so it was really amazing to find this,” he said.
Why large black corals are important
This finding is particularly important because black corals grow very slowly. Larger colonies play an important role in the survival of the species by providing valuable breeding resources.
“Identifying exactly where large corals occur means we can better protect them by letting people know where not to anchor their boats or drop pots,” Professor Bell said.
Richard Kinsey, a senior biodiversity ranger with the Department of Environmental Protection, was part of the diving team that encountered the coral.
“It was quite special to see such a large coral emerge from the darkness. I’ve been a marine conservation officer in Fiordland for almost 20 years and it’s rare to see corals this big. It’s definitely the biggest coral I can remember seeing,” he said.
Mapping of protected coral species
Researchers from the University of Victoria are working with the Department of Conservation and Fiordland Marine Guardians to better understand where protected coral species live across the fjords.
The team is studying and mapping the coral’s distribution to help guide future conservation efforts.
“We would like to receive reports from anyone who knows of particularly large black corals over 4 meters in length, so we can map their distribution and find out how common such large coral colonies are across Fiordland,” Professor Bell said.
protected species
Despite its name, black coral does not appear black on the outside. Living coral is white in color, with only the internal skeleton being black.
Black coral is protected under the Wildlife Act and it is illegal to intentionally collect or damage coral.
