- A coral reef off Benin, first discovered in the 1960s but forgotten, has been rediscovered and is healthy.
- Beninese scientist Gérard Zinzindohoué led the project, overcoming funding and logistical challenges to find the reef.
- The reef, located 14 miles offshore, hosts at least eight coral types and eight fish species.
- It is classified as a mesophotic coral ecosystem (MCE), a rarely explored but ecologically important habitat.
- The team advocates for full protection, possibly as a marine protected area, and is seeking IUCN designation for sharks and rays.
- The discovery highlights the need for more local research in West African waters.