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NARRATOR:
You’re entering another dimension. A dimension of water, of darkness, of mystery. Next stop, The Mesophotic Zone.
It is a world between worlds - between brightly lit shallow waters and the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean - thus, the “middle light” zone. Here, 30 to 150 meters beneath the surface, is the furthest that sunlight can penetrate the ocean. Only recently, with advancements in diving techniques and new technology, have we been able to study it in-depth.
A wide diversity of marine life exists at these depths, including new species that were only recently discovered. But perhaps the most interesting marine life in this zone exist in warm, tropical waters, and are known as mesophotic coral ecosystems.
Though many are unique to this depth, some coral species common to reefs in shallow waters are also found here, in the mesophotic zone. And some fish species found living in these coral ecosystems are genetically similar to those at shallower depths.
Separated by depths of hundreds of feet and existing in vastly different environments, the similarity between these species is a fascinating find. With further study and proper management, mesophotic fish and corals could help replenish over-exploited and stressed species in shallower waters.
These are the kinds of discoveries one might only find in – the Mesophotic Zone.
