Primnoid Gorgonian Sea Fan in the Antarctic

Primnoid gorgonian sea fan, Fannyella species, is listed as an indicator of a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem as it provides habitat for many other organisms. Living on this specimen, collected from off Lecointe Island at around 560 meters depth (Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Peninsula) are two species of ophiuroid brittle stars, at least 2 species of antarcturid isopods (crustaceans) and a cluster of pedunculate (or goose neck) barnacles, all of which have a commensal association with the sea fan. Over-growing some of the branches are yellow zoanthid polyps, which in turn provide shelter and protection for its polynoid polychaete worm symbiont.
Greenpeace is on a three-month expedition to the Antarctic to carry out scientific research, including seafloor submarine dives, to highlight the urgent need for the creation of a 1.8 million square kilometre Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary. Key findings from the footage and samples gathered from the submarine dives will be shared with the Antarctic Ocean Commission (CCAMLR) to establish localised protections as well as to strengthen this and other upcoming proposals for marine protection in the Antarctic.