Ancient peat reefs off Mozambique support diverse marine life
Researchers found submerged forests dating back 5,000 years that act as nurseries for fish and megafauna despite lacking living coral.
Scientists have discovered the remains of ancient forests submerged beneath shallow waters near Bazaruto, off the coast of Mozambique, according to a Times of India report. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that these drowned terrestrial forests have become modern marine ecosystems.
Radiocarbon dating indicates the peat ranges from approximately 300 to 5,000 years old. These peat reefs consist of dense, decomposed plant material that forms ridges and crevices on the seabed, providing structure for marine organisms to inhabit.
While the reefs contain no living coral, researchers found they share 41 small-fish species and 44 megafauna species with nearby coral reefs. Observed animals include sharks, rays, and turtles that use the peat for feeding, shelter, and breeding.
The submerged material contains up to 40 per cent organic carbon by dry weight. This suggests that ancient terrestrial carbon can remain stored in the seabed for centuries after being flooded by rising sea levels.
The authors of the study suggest that these peat reefs ought to be incorporated into marine and coastal conservation strategies. They noted that such habitats are often missing from current frameworks because they do not fit standard categories like mangroves or seagrass meadows.