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Collecting Gold Coral from the Deep Sea

Preview A submersible’s robotic arm collects gold coral in the Hawaiian Islands. Similar specimens have been dated at more than 2,700 years old.
(NOAA-HURL Archives)

The robotic arm of a Pisces submersible collects a gold coral colony (Gerardia sp.) during a research cruise in the Hawaiian Islands. Ocean scientists have radiocarbon-dated some Gerardia specimens from this area at more than 2,700 years old. Explore more the multimedia feature "Coral Gardens of the Deep Sea."