Coral identification guide
View the material prepared for Government observers on the identification of protected corals known to be caught incidental to fishing. Published 2014.

Download the publication

Coral identification guide (PDF, 3,306K)

Summary

This guide provides a summary of key identification features for the coral groups (Phylum Cnidaria) we find in the New Zealand region:

  • Stony corals;
  • Black corals;
  • Gorgonians (sea fans, sea whips);
  • Stylasterid hydrocorals
  • Soft corals
  • Sea pens
  • Zoanthids

Revisions and improvements to guides such as these help provide a better understanding of what cold-water corals are, where they are most at risk from interactions with commercial fisheries, as well as improve our knowledge of the region’s species diversity.

This guide plays an important role in aiding fisheries observers by helping them correctly identify coral bycatch occurring throughout New Zealand waters. This data can then help ascertain the adverse effects of commercial fishing on protected coral species. Read more in CSP fisheries observers.