Bubblegum at the bottom of the sea: Atlantic coldwater corals
Transcript
Coldwater corals of Atlantic Canada
In Atlantic Canada, corals are found in the cold waters hundreds, even thousands, of metres below the sea surface.
Many coldwater corals form into large colonies made up of anemone-like animals called polyps, and the polyps form skeletons for support. Most polyps survive by capturing passing food particles from the water.
More than 700 species of cold-water coral occur world-wide. In Atlantic Canada at least 56 species have been documented and it is likely that more remain to be discovered.
The 5 main groups of coral in Atlantic Canada are:
- soft corals
- black/thorny corals
- branching corals
- sea pens
- stony/cup corals
While mostly found in deep waters, different species inhabit different environments from canyon cliffs to muddy plains.
Some corals off Atlantic Canada have been estimated to be hundreds of years old. Their age and immobility make them some of the most vulnerable species to human activities in the ocean.
Massive coral colonies can form over time. For example the vibrant bubblegum coral reaching 2 to 3 metres in height!
In deep, dark waters, coral communities provide important and complex habitat for many other marine creatures, including commercial fish species, by providing a place to rest, feed, spawn and avoid predators.
Scientists continue to explore the mysteries of corals off our coast. New coral communities remain to be discovered and they are valuable as record holders for our changing climate.
To learn more about coldwater corals, why they are important and how they are being protected, visit our website.
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