The Red Sea - Florescent corals
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The Red Sea
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Introduction
The Red Sea is one of the youngest oceans in the world and one of the warmest. The northern region, with its diverse array of marine life, is one of the most visited dive locations on earth while the southern end remains virtually unexplored. It's a global hotspot for marine biology and an important trade route throughout human history, linking the trade goods of India and the Far East with the markets of Egypt and Europe.
Fluorescent corals
Overview
It is thought that the coral in Eritrea have adapted new ways to deal with the high amount of sunlight in Eritrean waters. When witnessed at night time using a blue torch with a yellow filter over the face mask the corals can be seen fluorescing.
Why corals fluoresce is a scientific mystery and there are a number of theories that try to explain it. One of these theories is that the fluorescent pigment acts as a type of sun screen. If this is the case, this protective layer could ensure the Red Sea's coral's future as global temperatures rise.
| Importance: | These corals may have developed a way to protect themselves from strong sunlight. |
| Dive category: | This is a night dive with specialised equipment. |
| Access: | Very few dive companies operate in Eritrea. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel in certain parts of this country. |
Interesting for
- Coral bleaching
- The Australian Academy of Science published this article about the threat posed by global warming to coral reefs.
- Will global warming kill the reefs?
- How to film corals fluorescing
- SJB Productions gives a crash course on how to film corals fluorescing at night.
- Learn about fluorescent corals and how to take video of them
BBC related content
- Oceans ultimate dives: Paul Rose's coral dive
- Oceans presenter biography: Paul Rose
- Oceans image gallery: The Red Sea
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