RT Report
T1 Cold Water Coral Reefs: Out of Sight-No Longer Out of Mind
A1 UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 
A2 Hain, Stefan
A2 Corcoran, Emily
A2 Freiwald, André
A2 Fosså, Jan Helge
A2 Grehan, Anthony
A2 Koslow, Tony
A2 Roberts, J. Murray
K1 coral reef
K1 marine ecosystem
K1 marine biodiversity
SN 92 807 2453 3
YR 2004
FD 2004
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8727
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8727
NO Freiwald, A., Fosså, J.H., Grehan, A., Koslow, T., Roberts, J.M. 2004. Cold-water Coral Reefs. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK
NO This report examines the distribution, ecology, threats and management of cold-water coral reefs in deep and temperate marine environments worldwide. It describes their biological characteristics, environmental requirements and ecological functions, emphasising their role as biodiversity hotspots and as habitat for commercially important species. Drawing on recent field observations, mapping initiatives and multidisciplinary research, it outlines current knowledge on geology, oceanography and species interactions, while identifying significant gaps in scientific understanding. The report documents human pressures, particularly bottom fishing, hydrocarbon activities and infrastructure placement, and reviews existing regulatory and policy responses. It concludes by presenting a structured set of recommendations to support research, monitoring, regulation and international coordination for sustainable management.
NO https://www.unep.org/resources/report/cold-water-coral-reefs-out-sight-no-longer-out-mind
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Nov 4, 2026