In the Mediterranean, a mission is taking place that unites science, passion and environmental protection. A group of expert divers has decided to put its skills in the service of the research, actively participating in a monitoring and conservation of black coral, one of the most fascinating and mysterious creatures of our seabed
Coral mission
The project Anti Pathosborn from the collaboration between the marine biologist and explorer of the National Geographic Giovanni Chimienti and the Marevivo environmental foundation, aims to collect data on the presence of black coral forests in the depths of the Mediterranean.
Thanks to the participation of highly qualified technical divers, this initiative aims to map and study the colonies of corals Antipatharia (of the Esacorallli subclass), so as to identify any threats and promote adequate conservation strategies.
The research focused on different areas of the Mediterranean, including the Tremiti islands (in the Adriatic Sea, off the Apulian coast) and the Egadi (in front of the western coast of Sicily), where imposing black coral forests have recently been discovered .
These ecosystems, still little known, play a fundamental role for marine biodiversity. In fact, they offer refuge and sustenance to numerous species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. However, they are extremely vulnerable to pollution, destructive fishing and climate change, factors that threaten their survival.
Pronto intervention marine
One of the most significant interventions related to the project took place in the Ligurian Sea, on the wreck of the oil tanker Haven, where a fishing network had destroyed a black coral colony located sixty meters deep. Thanks to the rapid intervention of a team of eight divers, coordinated by Massimiliano Falleri, the colony has been recovered and repositioned successfully, allowing the organisms to recover and continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
The research, however, is only at the beginning. There are at least five species of black coral present in the Mediterranean, and some of them are still unknown to science. In addition to identifying new formations of these extraordinary organisms, researchers want to deepen their ecological function within the marine ecosystems and evaluate how human activities can threaten their survival.
To achieve this, the Anti Pathos project invites all the underwater world fans to report any sightings through an online form, providing photos and videos useful for scholars to distinguish the different species and monitor the health of these submerged habitats.
Black coral: the black charm
But what exactly is black coral? Unlike what one might think, it is not a plant or mineral formation, but of a marine colonial organism that belongs to the group of cnidari, the same family of jellyfish and hard corals. This variant stands out for the dark skeleton, composed of an organic substance called appetine, which makes it more flexible than limestone corals.
The colonies of antipatharia grow in deep waters, generally over fifty meters, in environments characterized by poor lighting and strong currents. Just these extreme conditions make their exploration particularly complex and reserved only for more experienced divers. Some specimens may exceed two meters in height and form intricate branched structures, which offer refuge to an incredible variety of marine organisms.
What makes black coral even more extraordinary is its incredible longevity. Some researchers discovered several colonies in the oceans and have dated them up to four thousand years, which makes them among the oldest living beings on the planet. This slow growth, however, makes the species in question particularly vulnerable to the damage caused by humans, since a destroyed colony could use centuries to regenerate itself.
The charm of this coral is not limited to its ecology.
Against suffering
Since ancient times, black coral has been considered a precious and mysterious material. Its scientific, antipotharia name derives from ancient Greek and means “Against suffering”, a reference to the belief that this specimen possessed protective and curative properties. In the past, for example, it was used to create amulets and jewels, considered capable of removing the evil eye and protecting those who wore them from diseases.
This tradition, however, has led over time to the indiscriminate collection of specimens, so much so that today the black coral trade is prohibited by Washington Convention (Cites), which regulates the trade in threatened species. Despite restrictions, poachers continue to illegally withdraw black coral in some parts of the world to transform it into ornamental and religious objects.
Other threats
In addition to illegal fishing, several other threats weigh on submerged ecosystems, putting at risk the survival of these fascinating colonies. Marine pollution is one of the main concerns, since sediments and chemicals dispersed at sea can suffocate coral colonies, compromising their ability to grow and regenerate themselves.
When the seabed are invaded by polluting materials, they block the light and alter the quality of the water, preventing corals from correctly performing their vital functions, such as photosynthesis. The colonies weaken, becoming more vulnerable to diseases and other adverse conditions.
Another critical threat is the wild anchoring of the boats. When the ships throw the anchor in shallow waters, the violent impact with the seabed can instantly destroy coral colonies, irreparably damaging these delicate ecosystems that nature has built over millennia. A single impact can sweep away in seconds what has used centuries to form, annihilating a fundamental part of the marine environment.
Climate change
Climate change place further growing threat. The raising of ocean temperatures and water acidification are phenomena closely linked to the increase in CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere. These changes alter the chemical balance of the marine environment and influence the ability of corals to build their limestone skeleton.
Specifically, with warmer and more acid waters, these formations become more fragile and less able to survive long -term. In fact, acidification reduces the availability of calcium, an essential element for the formation of coral structures, while high temperatures further stress these delicate living structures, which struggle to maintain their vitality.
Faced with these threats, the conservation of black coral becomes a priority. Scientific research and awareness of the public play a fundamental role to guarantee the protection of these submerged habitats. Projects such as Anti Pathos show that the collaboration between scientists and underwater communities can make a difference, not only for the acquisition of new knowledge, but also for the concrete safeguarding of these extraordinary species.