Short Sharp Science - Spectacular sea life in cruise ship danger zone

Michael Marshall, environment reporter



(Image: © OCEANA/ Thierry Lannoy)

The captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship could hardly have picked a worse place to run his ship aground. It is in a Marine Protected Area, established to protect whales and other cetaceans.

Many other species are in the firing line from the dangerous chemicals, including fuel oil, still aboard the ship. The area is home to hermit crabs (Dardanus calidus), like the one shown above carrying a cargo of sea anemones (Calliactis parasitica), as well as gardens of sea fans like Yellow gorgonia (Eunicella cavolini), below.

 
(Image: © OCEANA/ Thierry Lannoy

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