Giant 300-Year-Old Black Coral Discovered in New Zealand’s Deep Sea

Marine scientists have discovered a giant black coral aged around 300-400 years in the deep waters of Fiordland, New Zealand. Measuring over 13 feet in height, it is the largest black coral recorded in the country. Such corals grow very slowly and indicate long-term ocean stability.
Protected under New Zealand’s Wildlife Act, the find highlights the ecological importance of deep-sea ecosystems and the urgent need for their conservation.

Discovery in Fiordland’s Deep Waters

• The coral was identified during a deep-sea dive led by researchers from Victoria University of Wellington in the waters of Fiordland, one of the most pristine marine regions of New Zealand.
• Its sheer dimensions make it exceptional when compared to other known black corals, which are generally much smaller even after centuries of growth.
• Scientists believe that such size indicates stable ocean conditions maintained over hundreds of years, making Fiordland a key natural laboratory for studying deep-sea resilience.

Key Discovery Details

• Dimensions: The coral stands approximately 4 meters (13 feet) tall and spans 4.5 meters (15 feet) wide.
• Age: Researchers from Victoria University of Wellington estimate the colony is between 300 and 400 years old.
• Team: The expedition was led by Professor James Bell, in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Fiordland Marine Guardians.