The red coral is endemic to the Mediterranean
Sea
Characteristics and behaviour
Corals
are large active colonies of polyps.
If disturbed, the polyps retract and the whole colony contracts,
expelling
water and becoming much firmer. Colonies are supported by
a strong, flexible endoskeleton consisting of gorgonin.
Influence of man
Unsustainable
levels of harvesting have depleted this species in many areas, because the
Mediterranean red coral has long been used for the jewelry. Harvesting
is now regulated, but sewage
and other forms of pollution disturb its growth and also heavy
towed fishing gear can damage coral populations.
Mass mortality of corals was
recorded in the north-west basin of the Mediterranean Sea during the summer
of 1999, likely because of the unusually high seawater temperatures.
