'Huge' black coral discovery in Fiordland

A massive black coral measuring four metres high and 4.5 metres wide has been found by underwater researchers in Fiordland, in New Zealand's South Island.

The coral is thought to be around 300-400 years old, and is among the largest ever seen in the waters of Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite its name, the black coral appears white in colour - only its skeleton is black.

"It's absolutely huge - by far the largest black coral I've seen in my 25 years as a marine biologist," Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington told the Department of Conservation. "Most black corals we come across when we're diving are small, with the bigger ones usually less than two to three metres tall, so finding this one is really cool."

The discovery is important as large corals provide vital breeding stock for the slow-growing species. "Pinpointing where large corals occur means we can better protect them by letting people know where not to anchor their boats or drop pots."

"To see such a large coral looming out of the darkness was pretty special," agrees DoC senior biodiversity ranger Richard Kinsey, who was also on the dive when the coral was discovered. "I've been a marine ranger in Fiordland for nearly 20 years and it's rare to see a coral so big. It's easily th largest one I can remember seeing."

Victoria University researchers are working with DoC and the Fiordland Marine Guardians to study and map the distribution of the fiords' protected coral species. They would love to hear from anyone who has seen large black corals that are larger than four metres tall so they can map their distribution. 

If you've seen a coral that you think may be of interest, contact Professor Bell here.