Cold water coral discovered

A Franco/Irish team of researchers have discovered a major new coral reef off the west coast of Ireland. The reef extends over an area of around 200 square kilometres and contains around 40 underwater coral mounds some of which are 100 metres high.

Scientists want the area protected because it provides habitats for fish stocks. Also, this marine ecosystem represents one of the last untapped reservoirs of compounds which might support the development of new anti-viral or anti-bacterial pharmaceuticals.

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tags: Environment, Ireland