10 Apr 2012

Rare coral in Fiordland under threat from cruise ship anchors

12:09 pm on 10 April 2012

Marine scientists have discovered large areas of rare and protected red coral in Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound which they fear could be destroyed by cruise ship anchors.

Undersea footage of the coral was recently captured by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) using a remote-operated vehicle.

NIWA scientists were surprised by what they found, which included metre high black coral trees, horny coral fans, sponges and sea pens.

The information is being used to assess 20 areas within Fiordland at present designated as anchoring sites for tourist cruise ships.

Eight-seven cruise ships will bring tourists to the area this year, with some of the smaller ships expected to drop anchor for sightseeing.

Dr Ken Grange of NIWA says a great deal of life is dependent on these areas and anchors would threaten the unique biodiversity.

"The big black coral trees ... had lots and lots of rock lobsters all sheltering underneath them, much like birds sheltering around a tree," he said. Schools of fish also gathered above the undersea sills.

NIWA says it is working with the Southland Regional Council to plot alternative anchoring sites for the cruise ships.