By Alison Harley
Fiordland is famous for its scenery, but scientists have recently discovered that the views are just as spectacular under the water.
Now they're worried about an environmental threat no one expected.
The giant anchors of visiting cruise ships are scraping across the unique coral eco-system.
They come from around the world to take in the view.
But few see the scenery below.
Scientists knew the bottom of the fiord was muddy and thought anchoring wouldn't be a problem.
But then they discovered a number of rocky ridges run across the bottom of the fiord.
So, they sent a remote camera down to have a look and found a unique coral environment.
They say they were blown away, having never seen the wealth of life in the coral.
The coral is at 50 metres, which is the depth that cruise ships can anchor.
The damage from an anchor would be irreparable.
The red coral are particularly fragile, so it would be a damaging place to put an anchor down.
Most of the black coral are more than 100 years old, some more than that.
They shelter under the black coral trees. They have to do that because there are no cracks for them to hide in.
Scientists say the rock lobster numbers have increased since commercial fishing ended in the Sounds.
The research will be used to help identify safe places for boats to anchor, but for the scientists, it’s been more than that.
They say there are not many new things left in the world to be impressed by.
The scientists are confident they can protect the ridges of the Fiorldand Sounds.
Aucklanders will be able to see more about NIWA research at a special exhibition at Queens Wharf on Thursday.
3 News
source: newshub archive
