Off the coast of southern Australia, scientists have uncovered a new underwater treasure that compares with one of the natural wonders of the world. Officials from Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park near Melbourne report that they've found a previously undiscovered reef that rivals the Great Barrier Reef in terms of "its abundance of coral, sponge, and fish," Mashable reports. The Great Barrier Reef, located in Queensland, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site for its plethora of marine animal and plant life.
An in-depth look at the new reef with a remotely operated vehicle and cameras revealed that, alongside "rich and abundant marine ecosystems that are comparable to Australia's better-known tropical reef areas," there was also an abundance of sponge gardens and corals that one scientist says is a "particularly exciting find." Fish typically rare to the area, such as the Australian barracuda and longsnout boarfish, were also found in the new reef.
But before you pack your wetsuits, keep in mind that the new reef won't be nearly as accessible as the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelers. Because the reef is located in deeper water, the destination is better suited to scuba divers.
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