Italian Researchers Discover Large Coral Reef in Gulf of Naples
EU-funded Demetra mission explores Dohrn Canyon using remotely operated submarine aboard Gaia Blu.
Reef built by Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata, black corals, and sponges.
Massive structures over 2 meters wide on vertical wall over 80 meters high.
Fossil remains of oysters and ancient corals found.
Mission leader Giorgio Castellan calls discovery exceptional for Italian seas.
Dohrn Canyon supports Life Dream and REDRESS projects for conservation.
Fossils of Neopycnodonte zibrowii aid paleoecological research.
3 weeks ago