Galway Bay fm newsroom - Galway-based marine scientists have discovered rare sponge reef and new corals in Ireland's deep ocean territory.
A team of marine scientists from Galway's Marine Institute have returned from a three week expedition investigating ocean territory 300 miles off the west coast.
Among the discoveries was a black coral that may be proved to be an entirely new species.
Areas of sponge reef, a highly rare formation previously only recorded in Canadian waters, were also found by the team.
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The cold water reefs are vitally important habitats for marine animals such as worms, starfish and crustaceans.
The discoveries were made using a remotely operated submarine robot.
