A remotely operated submarine discovered a vast white coral reef off the southwest coast of Italy. The reef is 80 meters tall and 2 meters wide, containing important species and fossil traces. Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems but are currently under threat. This impressive formation consists of deep-water hard corals, including Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata species. It also contains black corals, sponges, and fossil traces of oysters and ancient corals. The Italian Research Council called the formations "true geological testimonies of a distant past." The mission leader noted the finding was exceptional for Italian seas. Similar bioconstructions of such magnitude are rarely seen in the Mediterranean. The discovery will aid scientists in understanding the ecological role of deep coral habitats. It will also help with conservation and restoration efforts. The undersea research was funded by the EU.