Warm Feelings for Cold-Water Corals

Deep-Sea Coral Symposium attended by international experts

23-03-2012   At the 5th International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals, experts from around the world will discuss the latest scientific insights into cold-water coral reefs. One of the topics for discussion will be the possible consequences of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill two years ago. The conference is organized by NIOZ, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, and it takes place at the Amsterdam zoo Artis from 1 to 6 April.

Cold-water corals can be found worldwide in the deep sea, especially on the edges of the continents. It is here that the corals form underwater reefs and mounds that may be as high as 380 metres. These in their turn form remarkable oases rich in marine animals. Research into cold-water corals contributes to gaining new insights into the ecology and biodiversity of this special group of animals and the species living with them on the reefs. Insights into the composition of coral skeletons and the reefs formed by these may contribute to a better understanding of the origin of these mounds in relation to ocean circulation and climate change. In addition, the potential importance of coral mounds as oil reservoirs for oil-bearing rock will be discussed.

The aim of the conference is to exchange knowledge not just about the spread of cold-water-reefs but also about the threats. Potential threats are oil and mineral extraction, processes that are now increasingly taking place in the deep sea, and deep-sea fishing, which may completely ruin the reefs' role as breeding grounds. Another topic coming up for discussion will be the possible consequences of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Cold-water corals (left) and Sea lilies (Crinoids) on living corals (right).

Approximately 185 scientists, students and managers from around the world will attend the Fifth International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals, which is this year organized by NIOZ, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. The conference has been organised every three years by a different research institute since 2000. NIOZ has been closely involved in international research into cold-water reefs for years. This conference has received funding from industrial sponsors as well as from NWO, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research.

For more information about the programme, please visit the conference website: www.deepseacoral.nl