Centuries-old black coral found in New Zealand fiord
Researchers say the protected Fiordland coral may be among the largest black corals recorded in New Zealand waters.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
2 min read
Marine researchers have found a black coral in Fiordland that is estimated to be 300 to 400 years old, according to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. The protected coral’s size makes it notable for conservation work because large colonies can help sustain a slow-growing species.
The coral measures about 4 meters tall and 4.5 meters wide, the university said. Researchers believe it may be one of the largest black corals recorded in the waters of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, said the colony was far larger than the black corals he usually sees while diving. He said most are small, and larger examples are generally under 2 to 3 meters tall.
Bell described the find as the largest black coral he has encountered in 25 years as a marine biologist, according to the university. An image of the coral was credited to Bell.
Why the find matters
Black corals grow slowly, so large colonies are valuable to the species’ survival, Bell said. Bigger corals can provide breeding stock, making their locations important for protection efforts.
Bell said identifying the sites of large corals can help reduce damage from boats and fishing gear by warning people where not to anchor or drop pots. The university said the work is part of an effort to understand where protected coral species occur across Fiordland’s fiords.
The discovery was made by a dive team that included Richard Kinsey, a senior biodiversity ranger with the Department of Conservation. Kinsey said he has worked as a marine ranger in Fiordland for nearly 20 years and rarely sees coral of that size.
Kinsey said the coral appeared out of the dark during the dive and was the largest example he could remember seeing, according to the university.
Mapping protected corals
Researchers from Victoria University are working with the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Marine Guardians to study coral distributions in the fiords, the university said. The goal is to gather information that can guide future conservation decisions.
Bell said the team wants reports from people who know of black corals larger than 4 meters. Those reports could help researchers map where very large colonies occur and assess how common they are in Fiordland.
Although the species is known as black coral, the living animal is white on the outside, according to the university. The black color refers to the coral’s internal skeleton.
Black coral is protected under New Zealand’s Wildlife Act, the university said. Intentionally collecting or damaging the corals is illegal.
This story draws on original reporting from ScienceDaily.