Thriving 'Middle Light' Reefs Found in Puerto Rico

Lately news about our sea always seems to be about its decline, so it was very exciting to come across a story about a healthy - thriving reef on the NOAA website.

In La Parguera, Puerto Rico scientist found a 12-mile wide Mesophotic (or Middle-Light) Reef. Mesophotic reefs are reefs that grow at the deepest level that light-dependent coral reefs can survive. The Le Parguera reef starts at around 100 feet and is still showing growth as deep as 330 feet.

Little has been known about these Middle-Light reefs, because the technology for scientists to explore at those depths had been so limited. Now however, as the techniques and equipment used in tech diving becomes more available and user friendly for everyone, these reef are beginning to be explored. Check out the beauty of these reefs.

Credit: H. Ruíz

What is really exciting is how groupers, reef sharks, and snappers still thrive on these beautiful reefs. These fish, which were once so common on shallower reefs, can restore the depleted fish stocks once the heath of the shallower reefs, are restored.

So lets get involved and work together to protect these Mesophotic Reefs, as we work to rescue our more popular Shallow Reefs. Check out Project AWARE’s website.  Sign up for one of Scuba Emporium’s ecologically centered diving specialties; like Coral Reef Conservation and Project AWARE. And most importantly keep diving, exploring, and sharing what’s under the surface with your friends and family; so we can continue to remember everything there is to protect, above and below the surface, of this beautiful blue world.