RICH and unexplored marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic are being ravaged by fishing trawlers, according to scientists.

Jason Hall-Spencer, a marine biologist at the University of Plymouth, gave warning that a pristine and largely unexplored cold-water coral reef is under threat. The reef is located along the Irish continental shelf, 53 miles off the West Coast of Ireland.

Dr Hall-Spencer estimated that 40 per cent of the reef’s coral has already been destroyed and said that the remainder urgently required protection. Coral reefs are typically associated with tropical climates, but are also found in water between 4C (39F) and 12C (54F). This reef forms part of a structure larger than the Great Barrier Reef, stretching from Norway to West Africa.

The coral hosts a diverse range of creatures, including squat lobsters and giant anemone. More than 1,300 species of coral are known to exist in the dark water, more than 9,000ft (2,750m) under the surface.

The greatest threat to the reef are deep-water fishing boats, which use nets to trawl the sea floor. A net held open behind the boats ploughs through the lifeforms, many of which have built up over 4,500 years.

Dr Hall-Spencer, who will address the British Association for the Advancement of Science’s Festival of Science in Dublin today, will present images obtained during an expedition on board the ship Polarstern.

He said: “Few people realise that we have such interesting, precious and dramatic habitats right on our doorstep. Some of these areas have yet to be explored, but even before we have had a chance to see their treasures, they are being bulldozed by deep-water trawling. It is crucial that we take steps to protect the coral reefs before it is too late.”

Although some cold-water coral habitats are protected, it is harder to protect coral reefs in international waters.

Dr Hall-Spencer is calling for satellite technology to be used to manage the activities of fishing fleets. Between 30 and 50 per cent of cold water reefs are under threat from fishing, oil and gas exploration, cablelaying and waste disposal.

Damage to reefs occurs every day and scientists are concerned that the damage may be irreversible.

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