CSIRO Science Image

A seamount reef at 1000 metres on the continental slope south of Tasmania showing hard and soft corals, sea urchins and a brittlestar. Hundreds of new species have been discovered on extinct underwater volcanoes, or seamounts, that rise from the sea floor in the Coral Sea and the Tasman Sea between New Caledonia and Tasmania. Many of these creatures have been isolated on their underwater peaks for millions of years with dramatic implications for their conservation. Seamounts are increasingly being targeted by international deep-water trawling operations. The spread of trawl fisheries for orange roughy, alfonsino, and other deep-water fishes threatens seamount communities worldwide.

Libraries and tags

•  endangered and threatened species   fishing industries   marine ecosystems   sea urchins   fish and shellfish   marine life