| Submersible exploration of the deep-sea floor during the last decades revealed new insights in this part of our planet with the discovery of an unsuspected diversity of ecosystems. Coral reefs, confined in our mind to warm and shallow tropical waters, have been observed at several hundreds meter depth along continental margins. Like their tropical counterparts, cold water corals are home for several invertebrate and fish species. The diversity and complexity of this rich ecosystem has just started to be studied. Documented and potential treats by human activities including bottom fishing and petroleum industry activities have to be considered and there is an urgent need to prevent further degradation of these vulnerable reefs. The objective of the CARACOLE... |
