US EditionScientists Discover Rare White Coral Reef in Gulf of Naples
The reef features deep-water hard corals and fossil remains, highlighting biodiversity and aiding conservation efforts, according to the Italian Research Council.
- On October 10, 2025, the Italian Research Council announced a large white coral reef found in the Dohrn Canyon off Naples at a depth exceeding 500 metres.
- A remotely operated submarine explored the Dohrn Canyon during the EU-funded 'Demetra' expedition aboard research vessel Gaia Blu, coordinated by Institute of Marine Sciences of the CNR with teams from Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, Polytechnic University of Marche, and University Federico II of Naples.
- Researchers found deep-water hard corals including Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, with black corals and sponges building structures over two metres wide along a vertical wall more than 80 meters high.
- The discovery will help scientists map deep coral habitats and guide restoration, with Life Dream and REDRESS promoting recovery of damaged ecosystems in Dohrn Canyon.
- The find offers a window into ancient marine biodiversity with fossil aggregations of Neopycnodonte zibrowii and Acesta excavata providing paleoecological evidence, Giorgio Castellan said.
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9 Articles
Coral reef discovered off Naples, in rare find for Mediterranean
A large white coral reef containing important species and fossil traces has been discovered at a depth of more than 500 metres in the Gulf of Naples, in a rare discovery for the Mediterranean, the Italian Research Council (CNR) said on Friday.
Unveiling the Hidden Treasure of Naples: A Rare Deep-Sea Coral Reef Discovery
A significant coral reef has been discovered in the Gulf of Naples at a depth of over 500 metres. This remarkable find, described as 'rainforests of the sea,' includes deep-water hard corals and fossil traces. It offers insights into marine ecosystems and aids conservation efforts.
Naples, October 10, 2025 "Discovered a large and ancient coral reef in the Gulf of Naples: it is 500 meters deep below the sea level and so far unknown. A real vertical barrier 80 meters high and two wide, embellished with sponges and hard corals of depth, but also fossil traces of oysters and ancient corals. Stayed hidden for centuries, it is located in the center of the Canyon Dohrn. To see it was the research ship Gaia Blu of CNR during the s…
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