Rare Deep Coral Reef Discovered in Gulf of Eilat Faces Human Threats
A unique coral reef was recently discovered at a depth of 200 meters in the Gulf of Eilat, part of the Red Sea. Despite its depth, the reef is vulnerable to human damage, prompting the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to propose designating the area as a protected marine reserve. Dr. Asaf Zabuloni, an ecologist leading research since 2019, has conducted numerous expeditions using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to explore the mesophotic zones, areas with very low light levels, along Eilat’s coast. These zones range from about 30 to over 150 meters deep, with the newly found reefs extending beyond 200 meters.
The deep reefs differ significantly from shallower ones, being dominated by soft corals, black corals, and sponges rather than the hard corals typical of shallower waters. Researchers are investigating which organisms build these deep reef structures, as soft corals and sponges cannot form reefs like hard corals. One hypothesis is that these reefs originated during past ice ages when sea levels were much lower, possibly constructed by other calcifying organisms such as mollusks and calcareous algae.
The sandy seabed beyond 200 meters hosts diverse life, including sea anemones, unique sea urchins, and fish species not found in shallower waters, some potentially new to science and endemic to the Red Sea. However, human impacts reach these depths as well. The ROV footage revealed significant pollution, including fishing gear, anchors, and marine debris damaging the ecosystem. Particularly concerning is the presence of ghost fishing gear, lost or abandoned nets and traps, that continue to trap marine life for extended periods.
Professor Maoz Fine, scientific director of the national monitoring program in the Gulf of Eilat, supports the initiative to protect these mesophotic reefs, emphasizing their ecological connection to shallower reefs and the national interest in preserving the gulf’s entire marine environment for future generations. Dr. Zabuloni described the underwater explorations as akin to an astronaut discovering an unknown world, highlighting the excitement and importance of this research.
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is now working to map the area ecologically and promote the establishment of the "Mesophotic Reef Reserve in the Gulf of Eilat" to safeguard this rare and fragile ecosystem.
