Habitat-forming Cold Water Corals in the New Zealand region

Occurrence data of five main species (Enallopsammia rostrata, Goniocorella dumosa, Madrepora oculata, Oculina virgosa, and Solenosmilia variabilis) of habitat-forming cold water corals in the New Zealand region.

Determining the distribution of habitat forming scleractinian corals in the New Zealand region is necessary in order to understand the ecological significance of these taxa and the likely impact of anthropogenic activities on their persistence. Historical records from early publications, research trawl surveys, commercial fishing bycatch and recent biodiversity surveys were compiled for the habitat-forming coral species Madrepora oculata, Solenosmilia variabilis, Goniocorella dumosa, Enallopsammia rostrata and Oculina virgosa. These data were used to describe the observed depth, geographic distribution and geomorphic habitat associations of the study corals in the region.