Approaching cold-water corals to the society: novel ways to transfer knowledge

Abstract

Outreach is fundamental to disseminate scientific knowledge and approach the general public. The cold-water coral ecosystems are not an exception. During the last 15 years many efforts have been made to make more familiar these complex ecosystems to the society. Technology (which allow the possibility to reach deepest locations) but also the engagement of scientists made this approach possible. In this short contribution we highlight several ways to promote the knowledge and the sensitisation on these fragile deep water ecosystems, showing previous experiences and discussing some ways to effectively transfer the information needed to protect and manage these fragile ecosystems.