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Marine scientists have discovered new species of corals and a rare offshore sponge reef that, hopefully, could even lead to the discovery of new antibiotics.
The stony coral Lophelia petusa forms a perfect reef habitat for Lepidion fish. The species was identified during an oceanic expedition
Scientists used the Holland 1's unregulated vehicle from the Marine Institute to capture, what they say, a certain number of firsts in Irish waters. They spent three weeks at sea on the ILV Granuaile while exploring the depths of the ocean 480 km from the west coast of Ireland
"This is the first time that "I've been watching a sponge reef for almost 20 years," said Kerry Howell of the University of Plymouth.
This is an important discovery. Sponges play a key role in the marine ecosystem by providing habitat for other species and recycling nutrients. They can even be a source of new antibiotics. This new data will help us better understand where and why these reefs occur.
High-definition video mounted on ROV captured an octocoral species of the genus Corallium, which develops into large fans with a delicate porcelain skeleton, and a species of black coral different from those described to date , which can prove to be an entirely new species.
The study confirmed that deep Irish waters are a refuge for rare and delicate black corals that, despite their name, are actually very colorful. The team also reported areas of potential "sponge reefs" on the Rockall Bank, a very unusual accumulation of living and dead sponges forming a complex habitat for many other creatures. Such formations are very rare and have been recorded previously only in Canadian waters.
"We are very excited to discover what appears to be new species of corals and a rare sponge reef," said David O. Sullivan of the Marine Institute, chief scientist of the study. SeaRover
Louise Allcock of NUI Galway, which is funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and the Marine Institute The project highlighted the cooperation between Irish and international marine scientists "helping us to deepen our understanding of these sensitive ecosystems and has also been able to provide training opportunities and sea experience for young scientists "
The" SeaRover "study is the second of three Expected shipments financed by the Government and the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the EU. This year's expedition has extended the area of housing exploration to Rockall Bank, the furthest extension of Ireland's exclusive economic zone. .
