Until now, these depths were virtually unmapped. Through the UK government-funded MESOPHOS project, the Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab carried out the first exploration of what are known as mesophotic ecosystems at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, two areas of British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus. These ecosystems sit 50 to 200 metres below the surface, where enough light penetrates for light-dependent organisms to survive but where it is too dim for more typical photosynthesis to occur. The term mesophotic literally means ‘middle light’. They support unique communities of life that may serve as potential refuges for species from degraded coral reefs in shallower waters. As these ecosystems are beyond scuba diving limits, the team surveyed over 32 sites with remotely operated vehicles, revealing vast areas of sponges, corals, anemones and other organisms that create habitats which support diverse marine life. (Euronews)