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World|science|August 28, 2015 / 06:08 PM
Scientists discover bigger version of Great Barrier Reef

AKIPRESS.COM - Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Australia is facing stiff competition, says Daily Mail.

Researchers recently explored the 'Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park' reef to discover stunning corals, colourful sponges and a thriving fish life.

The Wilsons Promontory National Park is on a peninsula in Victoria, Australia's southernmost state. It is surrounded by the Bass Strait, which today separates the mainland from Tasmania.

Because the reef is located deeper underwater than the Queensland reef, it's difficult for divers to see exactly what's down there.

Recently, scientists used a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to explore the region for the first time.

There they discovered extensive walls, house-sized boulders, ridges and caverns with a diverse range of colourful sponges, hard and soft corals as well as abundant fish life.There was a complex underwater dune systems including one about 30 meters high and 2km long.

Parks Victoria Marine Science Manager, Steffan Howe said the popular area is famous for its stunning landscapes above the water, but what lives deep beneath the sea has previously been unknown.

"The resulting footage shows that the deep reef habitats are teeming with life and are home to rich and abundant marine ecosystems that are comparable to Australia's better-known tropical reef areas. The extent and abundance of spectacular sponge gardens and corals is a particularly exciting find," he said

Other discoveries included 90 meter deep holes with big schools of deep sea perch, which can grow to 80cm long.

They also found abundant fish species including some that are said to be of conservation significance as they are rare at the state level. Examples include the Australian barracuda and Longsnout Boarfish.

Parks Victoria officials now was to capture and analyse more footage to determine which areas might be safe for scuba divers.

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