Why are deep-sea corals and sponges important?
Deep sea corals and sponges are essential to the ocean’s health because they preserve ocean biodiversity and long-term sustainability of commercial and recreational fish species. Deep-sea corals can form reefs and gardens that are essential to numerous oceanic species – including fish – by providing shelter, protection from strong currents, protection from predators, nurseries for young fish, feeding areas, spawning areas, resting areas, and breeding areas for a host of other marine life. They also provide important clues for the study of global climate change and are under study as sources of new biomedical compounds for medical treatment of disease.
