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Located in the treacherous marine environment near the western shores of Canada, nestled within a small strait surrounded by steep cliffs, lies a unique coral reef that has baffled scientists with its existence. This reef, found in the far north of the Pacific Ocean, provides a rare window into the adaptability and uncertain nature of deep-sea ecosystems.
For many years, the Kitasoo Xai’xais and Heiltsuk First Nations, located in British Columbia’s Central Coast region, have observed abundant gatherings of rockfish in a fjord system.
In 2021, scientists and Indigenous groups, working with the Canadian government, utilized a remotely operated underwater vehicle to explore the depths of the Finlayson Channel, located approximately 300 miles northwest of Vancouver.
During the final dive out of almost 20, the group uncovered an unexpected find, which has only been revealed to the public recently.
“We were all hesitant when we first saw the living corals,” shares Cherisse Du Preez, the leader of the deep-sea ecology program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. “But when we were greeted with vast fields of coral, our doubts vanished and everyone’s true emotions came to the surface.”
Although surrounded by complete darkness, the submersible’s lights captured the vibrant hues of the corals and sponges, ranging from pinks and yellows to purples.
In the subsequent year, the group surveyed q̓áuc̓íwísuxv, also known as Lophelia Reef, using names given by the Kitasoo Xai’xais and Heiltsuk First Nations. This is currently the sole known coral reef located in the country.
Indigenous knowledge has once again led scientists and historians to a significant discovery. Inuk oral historian Louie Kamookak’s comparison of Inuit stories with explorers’ logbooks and journals over ten years ago proved crucial in locating the missing ships of Sir John Franklin, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. In 2014, divers were able to find the Erebus in a location recommended by Kamookak and, following his instructions, discovered the Terror two years later.
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The lophelia corals present in the reef are similar to those found in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and portions of the Pacific located beneath California. The reefs can reach impressive sizes, spanning multiple miles and taking thousands of years to reach full maturity. The q̓áuc̓íwísuxv reef, specifically, covers 10 hectares (25 acres) and is home to a diverse and flourishing collection of corals.
According to Du Preez, the water in the Pacific is among the most ancient globally, resulting in reduced levels of oxygen. This makes it challenging for coral to thrive.
The northern region of the Pacific Ocean also experiences significant acidity, which leads to the erosion of coral’s calcium carbonate structures. The researcher further explains, “Due to this, it was believed that the necessary elements for a reef were absent in this area.”
The team suspects the unique location of the reef, in a fjord with abnormally cold water, helps explain its ability to thrive. The ridge where the coral is found is also in an area of water column mixing, where highly oxygenated water is pushed down to the coral.
“At first you think a reef like this must be one of a kind. But it can’t be. That’s not how nature works. So now we’re going to find the other ones that must be out there,” says Du Preez.
Last week, the Canadian federal department responsible for fisheries declared that all bottom-contact fishing activities, including mid-water trawling, will be prohibited in the vicinity of the reef for both commercial and recreational purposes.
Despite attempts to safeguard the region, the discovery of deceased coral on the outskirts of the reef emphasizes the particular fragility of lophelia coral in the face of rising temperatures and heightened acidity, which are indications of a shifting climate.
“The reefs are firmly attached to the rock, but if the base is dissolved, they will easily detach and break apart, sinking into the deep ocean,” according to Du Preez. “However, by managing all human activities in the vicinity, we can increase the chances of this reef surviving climate change and potentially expanding to new territories.”
In addition to the lophelia coral, scientists discovered a substantial glass sponge reef. It is improbable that these two species have encountered each other in any other location worldwide.
According to Du Preez, in the depths of the ocean, there is a lack of regulations. This allows for different species to coexist, either in conflict or collaboration. Witnessing seemingly impossible occurrences is a source of excitement for scientists.
Source: theguardian.com
