Shining a Light on Aotearoa’s Hidden Deep Reefs
Project Overview:
Professor James Bell and his team at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington are exploring the “mesophotic zone”, the middle-light depths between 20 and 150 m that sit between diver limits and the deep sea. Over the last three years, his group has discovered a range of previously unknown deep-reef ecosystems across Aotearoa, including coral gardens, glass sponge beds, red coral fields, and ascidian communities. The team uses a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discover, document, and classify these deep-reef systems so they can be better understood and managed. These habitats are ecologically important yet remain largely unprotected, and the aim of this project is to shine a light on these undiscovered ecosystems to support national-scale deep reef management.
Program Partners
- Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
Location
- Aotearoa, New Zealand
Expected Time Frame
- 2026-2027
Duration of Expedition
- Flexible
Accommodation Needed
- 4 Researchers
Special Equipment Needed
- Licensed Captain
- Swim platform (hydraulic or stationary) or easy access to water
- Access to tender or smaller vessel
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
The mesophotic zone has only recently become accessible thanks to affordable, small ROVs. Unlike shallow kelp-dominated reefs, these deeper ecosystems are built mostly by animals such as corals, sponges, and ascidians. They may actually cover more area than shallow reefs in New Zealand but receive very little attention or protection. Professor Bell’s team is leading national efforts to map, classify, and understand these temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs), helping fill major knowledge gaps and supporting national-scale marine habitat mapping.
Mission:
The goals of this project are to discover, classify, and monitor mesophotic reefs across Aotearoa using ROV exploration and new 3D imaging tools. The project aims to create the first national mesophotic habitat classification, produce scaled 3D models of deep reefs, and share these findings with managers, iwi, students, and the public.
Applications:
The data collected will support:
• Identification and mapping of unique deep-reef habitats
• Evidence-based protection and marine spatial planning across Aotearoa
• National marine habitat classification efforts (CMECS)
• New 3D monitoring tools for deep reefs
• Outreach for schools through the “Being a Marine Biologist” education program
• Live-feed ROV engagement with classrooms (planned)
Relevant/Previous Scientific Publication(s):
Program Partners:
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