In the latest episode of *Linea Blu* devoted to the Strait of Messina, CRIMAC branch director Teresa Romeo and diver Roberto Rinaldi described the thrill of the discovery and the extraordinary importance for biodiversity of Errina aspera, a branched hydro-coral unique to the Mediterranean basin.
Key points on the value of this species and its habitat:
A unique hotspot of biodiversity: the seabed of the Strait is home to habitats of Errina aspera, which are capable of creating complex three-dimensional structures, ideal for harbouring and supporting a rich community of associated organisms.
The challenge of exploration: documenting and sampling these populations requires technical dives involving a high degree of operational complexity and cutting-edge technology, which are essential for working in the extreme conditions and strong currents that characterise the Strait.
Monitoring and climate change: studying the biology and ecology of this delicate coral is essential to understanding how deep-sea ecosystems respond to rising sea temperatures and environmental pressures.
Understanding the life hidden in our deep-sea abysses is the first essential step towards protecting it.
