Undisturbed vs. Trawled Reef

A comparison of an undisturbed Oculina coral reef and one that has been devastated by trawling.
(R. G. Gilmore (left) and NURC/UNCW )

The Oculina deep-sea coral reef at top has not been disturbed by humans—but trawling has devastated the one at bottom. When fishermen trawl, they drag a net along the seafloor, destroying everything in its path. Only about 10 percent of Oculina habitat remains intact. Learn more about vulnerable deep-sea corals. 

Tags: Fisheries Corals