Renewal friend, Executive Director, Jennifer Lash, and her team at Living Oceans Society are launching a first of its kind in BC “Finding Coral Expedition” in search of deep sea corals off the coast of British Columbia on June 8. The expedition aims to find out where B.C.’s coral forests are located and what mysterious creatures live there. It is very likely that there will be species of fish, invertebrates and corals that have never been seen before.

Living Oceans has gathered a team of world renowned deep sea coral scientists who will pilot one-man subs to depths of 500 metres to film, observe and gather coral samples in places like Moresby Gully, Goose Trough and Bell Passage. The expedition’s scientists will focus on learning which coral species are most abundant in our waters, their location, habitat function, and what species live in the coral forests.

Over the past five years, Living Oceans has worked to secure a commitment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to protect deep sea corals.  In order for DFO to follow through they must have a physical survey of the corals and video evidence that they are being damaged by destructive fishing practices.

That’s why, after five years of waiting for coral protection, Living Oceans Society is taking the lead and launching this initiative to collect the evidence themselves. Their mini subs are equipped with video cameras, and footage of these never-been-seen-before deep sea corals which will be uploaded to youtube throughout expedition.  We encourage you to keep up with the dispatches throughout their journey.