“Guardians of the Chandelier Coral” is a documentary by filmmaker Sabine M. Probst that invites viewers into the heart of an extraordinary mission. It follows the passionate work of Marina Palacios Miñambres and her dedicated team at Coral Soul, alongside their allies at Coral Guardian in Spain. Together, they are on a tireless journey to protect the fragile chandelier coral, bringing hope and change through their DEEP CORE project.

Mediterranean Cold-water Corals

Cold-water corals in the Mediterranean Sea are a diverse group of coral species that thrive in deeper, colder waters where sunlight doesn’t reach. These corals form complex underwater ecosystems, often in the form of coral reefs or banks, providing habitats for a variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and other benthic organisms. They are vital for biodiversity, playing a role in protecting coastlines from erosion, and supporting fisheries by providing nurseries for young fish. Additionally, cold-water corals contribute to the carbon cycle by sequestering carbon in their structures. Their conservation is crucial due to threats from human activities like trawling, pollution, and climate change.

Deep CORE project in Spain 

Coral Guardian has been working with the local NGO Coral Soul since the start of
2020 on the Deep CORE project in the Mediterranean Sea, at Punta de la Mona in Spain. 

The Deep CORE project responds to the problem of the degradation of the marine environment in Punta de la Mona, linked to an increase in pollution in the Mediterranean. Since the 1980s, the Punta de la Mona region has been recognised as an area to be protected for its rich biodiversity and priceless ecological value. However, despite these protection measures, the area is threatened by human activities and the coral beds are damaged. Coral Guardian’s mission involves seabed clean- ups, awareness programs for locals and tourists, and coral restoration activities.