Lost Coral Reefs in Benin Rediscovered Brimming With Life

WHO:

Oceanographic Magazine - Gérard Zinzindohoué is the lead author of the study published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

NY Post - Scientists involved in the discovery of the coral reef.

Phys.org - National Geographic Exploration Technology Lab provided the Deep Sea Camera System.

WHAT:

Oceanographic Magazine - The coral reef was found to be more than 50 metres (164 feet) below the surface, previously written off as dead.

NY Post - A coral reef, once thought to be dead, was rediscovered and found to have plenty of life, including around eight types of fish.

Phys.org - The coral reef was found to be alive and healthy, contrary to previous assumptions of it being dead.

WHERE:

NY Post - The coral reef is located off the coast of Benin.

Phys.org - The reef was flagged in surveys conducted in the 1960s as a possible deep-water coral reef.

WHEN:

Phys.org - Surveys in the 1960s focused on identifying promising fishing areas.

HOW:

Oceanographic Magazine - The team used sonar to identify structures that resembled reef signatures before confirming the reef's existence with an underwater drone and the Deep Sea Camera System.

NY Post - Scientists used an underwater drone to investigate the coral reef.

Phys.org - A modern sonar survey and the Deep Sea Camera System were utilized to discover the reef.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 20:23 UTC)

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that a coral reef, previously thought to be dead, has been discovered more than 50 meters, or 164 feet, below the surface. Lead author Gérard Zinzindohoué and his team utilized sonar technology to identify structures resembling reef signatures, and they confirmed the reef's existence using an underwater drone along with the Deep Sea Camera System. This exciting finding sheds light on the resilience of marine ecosystems and the potential for recovery in areas once deemed lifeless.

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(UPDATED July 20, 2026 17:27 UTC)

Scientists have made an exciting discovery off the coast of Benin, revealing a coral reef that was once thought to be dead but is actually alive and thriving with around eight types of fish. This finding was made possible through the use of an underwater drone and advanced technology from the National Geographic Exploration Technology Lab, which provided a Deep Sea Camera System for the investigation. The reef had been flagged in surveys from the 1960s as a potential deep-water coral site, and its health challenges previous assumptions about its status.