CORAL
CHRONICLES

A visual journey through the vertical habitats of earth's ocean architects

What do we know about Corals?

Coral reefs play an essential role in maintaining the health of our oceans and supporting human life. Coral reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges, acting as natural barriers. Moreover, they contribute to tourism and offer potential medicinal compounds. Their preservation is critical, as they are both a source of life and a shield for coastal communities.

Did you know that Corals are

Corals in Different Ocean Depths

Endangered Corals

Acropora Retusa

An endangered coral in the epipelagic zone.

This zone is dominated by stony corals, also known as scleractinian corals.

They are one of the largest and most important genera of reef-building corals, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean regions.

Acropora retusa is under threat due to climate change (including ocean warming and ocean acidification), diseases, habitat degradation, land-based sources of pollution, small population size, unsustainable fishing.

Orbicella Annularis

An endangered coral in the mesopelagic zone.

Black corals and gorgonians, belonging to the orders Antipatharia and Alcyonacea respectively, dominate this zone.

Black corals, whose Greek name "antipathes" means "against diseases," have long been valued for their medicinal properties. Their extracts have been used to treat various ailments, including bacterial infections, fever, inflammation, ulcers, and lung conditions.

Orbicella annularis is under threat due to climate change (including ocean warming and ocean acidification), diseases, habitat degradation, and land-based sources of pollution.

Isidella Elongata

An endangered coral in the bathypelagic zone.

Isidella elongata, a soft coral in the order Scleralcyonacea, plays a key role in deep-sea ecosystems by forming colonies that enhance habitat complexity and support species like epibionts, cephalopods, and sharks. These habitats increase local biomass, attracting invertebrates and commercially important species such as red shrimp and Norway lobster.

However, deep-sea fishing, especially bottom trawling, has severely reduced its populations. Once abundant in the Mediterranean, it is now scarce due to fishing and sediment displacement. Its slow growth, long lifespan (~400 years), and limited dispersal make recovery from damage very difficult.