Working among the islands of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, scientists using a HURL submersible research vessel surveyed deep-sea corals thousands of feet below the ocean surface.

Discoveries include seven new species of bamboo coral identified so far.

“The potential for more discoveries is high, but these deep-sea corals are not protected everywhere as they are here, and can easily be destroyed,” said Oceanography associate professor Christopher Kelley.