Cold-water coral reefs

Cold-water coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by corals that thrive in cold, deep ocean waters, typically between 200 to 1,500 meters below the surface. Unlike tropical coral reefs, which are colorful and rely on sunlight, cold-water corals do not need sunlight to survive and often grow in dark, nutrient-rich environments. These reefs provide habitat for various marine species and contribute to biodiversity. They play essential roles in carbon cycling and serve as important indicators of ocean health, yet they face threats from climate change, deep-sea fishing, and ocean acidification.