Ancient Deep-Water Reefs: A Pristine Time Capsule

Two "pristine" deep-water coral reefs have been discovered in the Galápagos Islands by an international group of researchers. These cold-water reefs, located about a quarter of a mile beneath the sea surface, are home to various marine creatures and are part of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Deep-water reefs, although less studied than their shallow counterparts, are believed to host the majority of coral species. The recent mapping mission has provided high-resolution maps that will aid in future research and conservation efforts in the region. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding and protecting the hidden dimensions of ocean diversity.