In 2012, Canadian oceanographers were in the middle of a routine oceanographic survey when they noticed something strange attached to one of their water meters. Publication in the journal Polar Biology says that it was a type of button coral, lophelia pertusa, which normally grow on coral reefs. Is it possible that Greenland could be home to several coral reefs, asked themselves scientists and start to study this sea surprise.
From 2012, oceanographers from Canada are studying very unusual and interesting subject: the coral reefs in Greenland. Oceanographers found then the type of button coral, lophelia pertusa, and this fact made them investigate further. There was the only one question: could be Greenland a home to several coral reefs? According to co-author Helle Jørgensbye from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Aqua:
“We’re absolutely certain that we’ll find more coral reefs in the warm currents that these corals were found in.”
Martin Blicher from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources at Nuuk knows very well the group of scientists and their exciting discovery. Blicher’s specialization is studying the effects of climate change on marine ecology around Greenland, and highly appreciate the newly discovered fact regarding coral reefs in Greenland: “It’s interesting that we’re observing corals in Greenland for the first time. It means that we can widen the boundary limits for this species.”
Cold-water corals rather differ from warm-water ones — Greenland type prefers to live in deeper, colder waters than their colourful tropical relatives. South corals you see, being just pop down for a look with snorkel and mask. And Greenland corals live much deeper, that’s why it’s hard to see them.
