The oceans of the world are inhabited by a diverse variety of plants and animals.  Of course, the corals are among the most beautiful and provide a stunning landscape for divers and explorers.  Science Daily has just announced the identification of up to six new species of deep-water corals in the waters off of Hawaii.  The deep-water expedition in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument preserve was originally chartered to conduct a general study of this unique deep reserve.  During the course of numerous deep dives with remote-controlled submersibles, scientists collected a number of samples of “unusual” looking corals for further study.  Scientists who evaluated these samples were able to identify at least six new species of bamboo corals that may represent a complete new genera of corals.  Pictured above, one new species of  orange bamboo coral measures four to five feet tall and was collected more than 5,700 feet below the surface.   Bamboo corals have growth rings much like those found on trees.  This allows scientists to “date”  small chemical changes over time and make important conclusions about the condition of the water at various times in the life of the coral.  According to Richard Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA’s assistant administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, the discovery of these corals may provide important data about ocean acidification, a process where changes in ocean chemistry occur as a result of an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide.

Scientists will continue to evaluate a vast variety of samples collected during the 2007 expedition in hopes of identifying even more new species.  The study of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument is unique because it is the deepest protected area in the United States and contains corals that have existed for thousands of years.

Phil Ellis

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