A coral reef “in pristine condition” and suitable for cold water has been discovered off the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, between 400 and 600 meters deep.

The researchers of a scientific expedition made this discovery thanks to a submersible vehicle.

The corals “are at least several thousand years old, if not more,” says oceanographer Stuart Banks.

“We have never found reefs of this type at such deep and developed depths. They are at least several thousand years old, if not more, and are in a pristine state, which is very important globally, he continues. Many deep systems have been degraded for hundreds of years by different types of human intervention. »

“[This discovery] allows us to learn more about these unknown habitats. As we all know, it is very difficult to obtain information deeper than 40, 50 or 60 meters, adds Jennifer Suarez, marine ecosystem monitoring manager in the Galapagos National Park. Thanks to these tools or this technological equipment, we will be able to access this information. »