Researchers’ Night: Lecture on cold-water corals

When talking about coral reefs, thoughts quickly turn to tropical regions. Not many people know that there are also cold-water corals and that 25% of those we know of are located along the coast of Norway.

In fact, the world’s largest occurrence of cold-water corals can be found at Røstrevet, just outside Lofoten. Here the corals have lived and built their home for thousands of years, and now cover an incredible 100 km2 (!)

The Norwegian coral reefs are some of the most complex and species-rich ecosystems in the ocean, and provide a basis for life for hundreds of other species. Nevertheless, cold-water coral reefs are unknown to most people.

SALT, The Institute of Marine Research and Museum Nord are now working on developing a new, permanent exhibition on cold-water corals that is set to open at The Lofoten Aquarium in 2023. The aim is to create interest, pride and ownership of the coral reefs off our own coast, and spread knowledge about the coral reefs’ important role in the marine ecosystem.

Kjersti Eline T. Busch is the founder and CEO of SALT. In this lecture, she will talk about her own encounter with the cold-water coral reefs off Lofoten, show colorful underwater images and give an insight into her work on the new exhibition for the Lofoten Aquarium.

Free entrance!

Organized by Museum Nord in collaboration with SALT and Researchers’ Night.

Underwater photos: Erling Svensen