Portuguese scientists have discovered a crinoid habitat more than 500 metres deep on the Algarve coast. On board the Oceana Ranger, this discovery reveals an important space for the reproduction of several species of high commercial value, such as hake or red mullet.

It is a sensitive habitat, according to the classification of the European Union, so its presence is an indicator of the good condition of the seabed.

This discovery has occurred within the IMPACT project, through which the impact of trawling fishing activities in deep areas that can negatively affect the marine ecosystem is being studied. The presence of this habitat indicates that the area where it is located has not been affected by this type of activity.

From now on, the samples obtained will be analysed – macrofauna, meiofauna, microfauna, properties of the water column, marine sediments and detailed bathymetry of the area.