An "absolutely huge" black coral has been found in the waters off Fiordland, providing a "vital" breeding stock for the species, researchers say.
Measured at 4 metres high and 4.5 metres wide, the coral is suspected to be the largest ever seen in New Zealand waters, and is thought to be between 300 and 400 years old.
The discovery will provide a "vital" breeding stock for the slow growing, protected species.
Marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Professor James Bell, said the discovery is "by far the largest" he has seen in 25 years as a marine biologist.
"Most black corals we comes across when we're diving are small, with the bigger ones usually less than two to three metres tall so finding this one was really cool," he said.
Bell added when black coral is discovered, it allowed them to be better protected, as they can let boaties know where to not anchor their boats or drop pots.
Researchers from the Victoria University of Wellington are working with the Department of Conservation to map the distribution of the species in the fiords.
Department of Conservation senior biodiversity ranger Richard Kinsey it was "pretty special" to be on the dive when the coral was discovered.
"I’ve been a marine ranger in Fiordland for nearly 20 years and it’s rare to see a coral so big. It’s easily the largest one I can remember seeing."
Despite its name, black coral is white in colour and only its skeleton is black. As it is protected under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to deliberately collect or damage it.
"We’d love to receive reports from anyone who knows of particularly large black corals that are greater than 4 m so we can map their distribution and find out how common such large coral colonies are throughout Fiordland," Bell said.
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