Threats

Black coral

Trawling and dredging adversely affect deepwater corals and coral habitats. Recovery from this type of disturbance is likely to take decades and possibly hundreds of years due to the very slow growth rates of deepwater species.

Suspension of sediments by trawls may also smother coral larvae and settlement surfaces. In shallower water black and red corals are vulnerable to damage by anchors, rock lobster pots, droplines, careless divers and collectors.

Increased marine sedimentation caused by catchment development can also damage coral larvae and smother settlement surfaces as well as established colonies. Several species of snake star can be found living commensally on the branches of black corals. These play an important role in cleaning the colony and preventing them being overgrown by other organisms.