April 16, 2009 -- The narrow stretch of water known as the Strait of Messina, where the mythical sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis swallowed sailors and ships, hides the world's largest forest of black coral, according to a new survey of the Mediterranean sea bed. Using an underwater robot, marine biologists at Italy's Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) found almost 30,000 colonies of Antipathella subpinnata coral at a depth of between 55 and 100 meters (180 and 328 feet). The coral was found near the town of Scilla, off the coast Calabria in southern Italy. "In that stretch of water, images taken by the robot showed a seascape completely dominated by spectacular tree-like colonies of black coral, some more than 1 meter (3.3 feet) high. This is the first time these rare species are observed in their natural habitat," biologist Eva Salvati told Discovery News. Related Content:
A living organism that grows like a plant in deep sea waters, black coral derives its scientific name from the Greek words "anti," for against, and "pathos," for disease. Indeed, black coral amulets were once believed to protect against diseases and evil spirits. The most highly sought after of all coral species for their use in jewelry, all black corals are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which records species at risk of extinction if trade is not controlled. The ISPRA researchers also discovered five colonies of the rare black coral Antipathes dichotoma. "We are talking of an extremely rare species: only five samples have ever been collected and studied. The last sample was found in the Gulf of Naples in 1946. It was then donated to Harvard University," Salvati said. The robot that helped find the coral can take video and samples of marine species and has proven to be an important tool for the preservation of Calabria's coast, according to Silvio Greco, Calabria's regional councilor for the environment. "It allows us to better understand the marine ecosystem and its reactions to natural and human-induced changes," Greco said in a statement. Get More NewsMouse Cloned From Long-Frozen CellResearchers create a mouse from a long-frozen cell. Will the mammoth be next?'Bubble' Could Protect AstronautsScientists say a "bubble" around a Mars-bound spaceship could protect astronauts.Big Reduction of Snowmobiles in Yellowstone ProposedA new plan would cut snowmobile use by 40 percent in Yellowstone.Microbes: Fuel of the Future?A reddish South American microbe is literally breathing fuel, say scientists.DNA Links Remains to Steve FossetDNA tests on two bones found in California confirm they are those of Steve Fossett.Women Carry More Bacteria Than MenSome bacteria prefer women, suggests a new study. But why?Ancient 'Water Monster' Facing ExtinctionA foot-long salamander that was a key part of Aztec legend is threatened by extinction.Grand Canyon's Youth ConfirmedThe Grand Canyon is millions of years younger than previously thought, argue geologists.My Take: E-Voting Not User FriendlyOpinion: Electronic voting machines don't always capture the intent of voters.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.At 40, Brain and Body SlowThe part of the brain in charge of motion starts a gradual slide in middle age.Spiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates. |
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