A 2007 research venture conducted in Hawaii has unveiled seven new species of bamboo coral. Scientists believe that six of the seven coral may even represent entirely new genera. Genera are ranked above species in biological classification, which means genera encompass more organisms than particular species groupings do.

 

The coral were discovered off islands in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The area the monument encompasses covers 100 times the area of Yosemite National Park. The islands are approximately 1,000 miles from the main islands of Hawaii.

 

The research discovered a five-foot tall bamboo coral tree, a giant sponge approximately three feet tall and three feet wide and also multiple beds of living coral and sponges. The scientists also discovered what they call a “coral graveyard”. The scientists have not pinpointed the exact time of death but approximate that it is between several thousand years ago to upwards of one million years ago. The graveyard of coral included coral never seen before as well.

 

The scientists hope that the coral can answer questions regarding changes that have occurred in the ocean over the last several thousand years. Some of the living coral discovered is more than 4,000 years old. Coral contain growth rings which can provide information pertaining to the conditions in the ocean during that stage of the coral’s life.

 

Rob Dunbar, a Stanford scientist who took part in the study, stated: “We found live, 4,000-year-old corals in the monument – meaning 4,000 years worth of information about what has been going on in the deep ocean interior. Studying these corals can help us understand how they survive for such long periods of time, as well as how they may respond to climate change in the future.” Scientists believe that there is potential for more discoveries in the same area.