Rare Deep-Sea Coral Reef Discovered in Gulf of Naples

On October 10, 2025, researchers from the Italian Research Council (CNR) announced the discovery of a rare and significant deep-sea coral reef in the Gulf of Naples. The massive reef, found at a depth of more than 500 meters in the Dohrn Canyon, is an exceptional find for the Mediterranean region.

The reef, formed by deep-water hard corals known as "white corals," spans over 2 meters wide and extends along an 80-meter-high vertical wall. In addition to the white corals, the reef also contains black corals, solitary corals, sponges, and other ecologically important species. Researchers also found fossil traces of ancient oysters and corals, which they describe as "true geological testimonies of a distant past."

Mission leader Giorgio Castellan called the discovery "exceptional for Italian seas," noting that bioconstructions of this scale had never been observed in the Dohrn Canyon before. The find will help scientists better understand the ecological role and distribution of deep coral habitats, which are crucial for marine conservation and restoration efforts.

Known as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs are among the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems, hosting millions of species. However, they are under threat from various environmental pressures. The discovery of this remarkable reef in the Gulf of Naples is a significant contribution to the understanding and preservation of these vital underwater habitats.