A new study published in *Marine Biodiversity* highlights a significant extinction risk for cold-water coral species in the Northeast Atlantic. The research, spearheaded by Julia Sigwart, evaluated 22 species using the IUCN Red List criteria to assess their global extinction risk.
The study's findings indicate that over 30% of the studied species are either near threatened or vulnerable, including the white coral (*Desmophyllum pertusum*). The primary threat identified is bottom-contact fishing, such as trawling, which inflicts substantial damage on deep-sea habitats.
The research underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures, particularly in the largely unregulated high seas. The study's publication aligns with ongoing international initiatives aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity, emphasizing the critical importance of species-specific conservation efforts in mitigating human impact.