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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

An Integrated Micro-Device System for Coral Growth and Monitoring
Published on: July 21, 2023
Extreme longevity in proteinaceous deep-sea corals
E Brendan Roark1, Thomas P Guilderson, Robert B Dunbar
1Environmental Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Deep-sea corals, vital ocean habitats, grow incredibly slowly, with some living for thousands of years. Understanding their slow growth and longevity is crucial for effective conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Deep-Sea Ecology
- Geochronology
Background:
- Deep-sea corals inhabit hard substrates globally, forming critical habitats.
- These communities are hotspots of marine biodiversity and biomass.
- Threats include commercial harvesting and destructive fishing practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the growth rates and longevities of deep-sea corals.
- To inform conservation strategies for these vulnerable species.
Main Methods:
- Radiocarbon age dating of Gerardia sp. and Leiopathes sp. specimens.
- Analysis of radial growth rates and colony ages.
Main Results:
- Radial growth rates observed between 4 to 35 µm/year.
- Individual colonies can live for thousands of years (e.g., 2,742 and 4,265 years).
Conclusions:
- Deep-sea corals exhibit extreme longevity, growing very slowly.
- Conservation requires a deeper understanding of their ecology and associated communities.
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