In Argentine territory, the discovery of a cold-water coral reef has been made, whose extension is comparable to that of the Vatican.
During a scientific expedition conducted along the coast of Argentina, a significantly higher deep-water biodiversity was discovered than initially anticipated.
One of the most significant discoveries is the reef of the species Bathelia candida, the largest ever recorded globally.
This ecosystem covers at least 0.4 km² and serves as a vital refuge for various species of fish, crustaceans, and octopuses. The importance of this cold-water coral lies in its ability to sustain entire ecosystems, also serving as an indicator of vulnerable marine environments.
Additionally, reefs were located 600 km further south of the previously known geographical limit.
Throughout the journey, which spanned from Buenos Aires to the vicinity of Tierra del Fuego, researchers documented this record-breaking reef in the world ocean.
Cold-water Coral
In the process, 28 new species were recorded and extreme ecosystems known as cold seeps were identified, places where living beings subsist through chemical compounds instead of relying on sunlight.
Among other notable findings are a giant phantom jellyfish and the carcass of a whale at a depth of 3890 meters, which acts as a life generator on the seabed.
However, the expedition also detected the presence of trash, including fishing nets, plastic bags, and even a VHS tape preserved due to the persistence of its materials.
This work was carried out by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in collaboration with specialists from the CONICET and the UBA.
Dr. María Emilia Bravo, the project’s lead scientist, highlighted the importance of having observed the connectivity and functions of the ecosystem as a whole, noting that this discovery opens a window to national biodiversity and confirms that there are still many secrets to be revealed in the sea.
