First Time, Ancient Coral Found Off Hainan Coast After Typhoon Kompasu

Ancient coral in Hainan Province, China. (Source: Tropical Hainan)

JAKARTA - The State Forestry Administration Authority in Hainan Province, China, for the first time found the remains of ancient coral reefs in the island's coastal zone.

According to experts, the age of coral reefs that are quite well preserved is about 2 thousand years. They were found in Lingshui Li Autonomous County on the south coast during a mangrove inspection.

"We found this coral while surveying the waters after Typhoon Kompasu hit Hainan in mid-October", said the local forestry department, as quoted by TASS from Hainan Daily on November 23.

Authorities detailed, the area occupied by the unique discovery reached 50 thousand square meters. Scientists have identified three families of corals - the branched Acropora, which resemble intertwined deer antlers, the fungi that resemble a cluster of fungi, and the finger-like porites.

In addition, the newspaper also noted that the geological structure of the ancient limestone will significantly increase the attractiveness of the local coastal forest area.

"Corals, if destroyed, cannot be restored. Together with the Haikou authorities, we will study them in detail, and after that, we will develop scientific projects to protect these fossils", the department said.

Chinese experts say corals help increase the diversity of the underwater world because they thrive in algae. Coral reefs are a haven for various species of fish and other living organisms, creating a unique underwater ecosystem.

To prevent its destruction, the Hainan Provincial Government has approved a list of measures to regulate tourism activities. In particular, the authorities exercise fairly thorough control over scuba divers.