Ancient forests become marine reefs off Mozambique
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Researchers at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) Ocean Observatory in Mozambique discovered ancient forests now submerged and functioning as thriving peat reefs.
The team documented these reefs in the shallow waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, finding they support marine biodiversity comparable to coral reefs. These “peat reefs” formed thousands of years ago when forests along the coast were flooded by rising sea levels, eventually becoming platforms for marine life after waves removed overlying sand.
Radiocarbon dating shows the peat forming these reefs dates from 300 to 5,000 years ago, and chemical analysis confirms the material originated from coastal plants and trees. While the peat contains up to 40% organic carbon, scientists are still investigating whether these reefs act as long-term carbon stores or if they are currently releasing carbon. This discovery prompts questions about similar hidden reefs worldwide and how to best protect them.
The study compared the peat reefs to a nearby coral reef, finding similar numbers of fish species and a comparable level of biodiversity. Though lacking coral, the peat reefs provide habitat for seagrass, seaweeds, and animals like lobsters and juvenile fish. These reefs, which exist in shallow, dynamic waters, face challenges from erosion and storms, yet they offer crucial refuge for marine life, especially as coral reefs decline globally.
