Oceana researchers have found, on the seabed of the Aeolian Islands, a remarkable biodiversity that includes rare corals and species never previously sighted in the region.
Our seas do not reach the abyssal depths of the oceans but, despite the absence of significant depressions, the Mare nostrum continues to leave us speechless. The latest surprises, in chronological order, come from the waters off the coasts of the Aeolian Islands, where researchers from Oceana, an organisation dedicated to ocean conservation, have discovered the presence of extraordinary forests of corals at risk of extinction and an incredible variety of species.
The Oceana expedition lasted one month and studied the underwater volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands, north of Sicily. In particular, the researchers explored seven areas of ecological interest, including isolated seamounts, underwater banks and hydrothermal vents formed by volcanic activity. Among the species identified, the bamboo coral (Isidella elongata), a species of gorgonian at serious risk of extinction, and black coral (Antipathella subpinnata) stand out; the latter is present in the Mediterranean in colonies more than two thousand years old.
Using an underwater robot, the scientists filmed and photographed down to a depth of 981 metres and collected samples from the seabed. The photographs published give only a glimpse of the colourful and heterogeneous world teeming with life beneath the surface of the sea. Vast expanses of red algae, seabeds dotted with corals, dense gardens of gorgonians and large schools of fish. Oceana researchers also filmed, at intermediate depths, black corals bearing numerous shark eggs, red corals and yellow soft corals — species considered at risk in the Mediterranean. On the seabed, meanwhile, forests of bamboo corals were found, inhabited by unsuspected predators such as sea squirts and sponges.
The expedition, carried out aboard the catamaran Oceana Ranger, also documented the presence of a species of starfish (Zoroaster fulgens) never previously seen in the Mediterranean and a fish species, Kolombatovic's goby (Gobius kolombatovici), which was thought to live only in the northern Adriatic Sea.
In light of these discoveries, Oceana will advocate for the establishment of a marine protected area in the archipelago, with the aim of preserving the rich natural heritage of its waters. "Although the deep sea lies just off the shores of the Aeolian Islands, these waters remain largely unexplored and conceal a very rich biodiversity," explained Ricardo Aguilar, director of research for Oceana in Europe. The researchers identified numerous internationally protected species, including sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and several species of molluscs. "However, we were able to observe the widespread effects of human activity even in the most remote and deepest areas, and it is essential that we prevent damage to marine life if we are to preserve the uniqueness of this portion of the Tyrrhenian Sea," Aguilar stated.
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The researchers did not, however, feast their eyes solely on the magnificent underwater biodiversity; they also witnessed first-hand the alarming anthropogenic impact on marine life. In particular, they documented the damage caused by fishing gear that had been lost or deliberately abandoned, as evidenced by the distressing photograph of a dead Caretta caretta with a fishing line hooked to its mouth, and by images of centuries-old corals partially killed by tangled lines and discarded traps and nets. The quantity of household waste found was also considerable, including plastic crockery, glass bottles, batteries and tyres. Our sea is rich in wonders still unknown, which deserve to be protected and to continue living in that bizarre and alien world that stretches beneath the surface.