WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. Atlantic coast. The largest yet known deep coral reef "has been right under our noses, waiting to be discovered,” said Derek Sowers, an oceanographer at the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust. Unlike tropical coral reefs, where photosynthesis is important for growth, coral this far down must filter food particles out of the water for energy. Deep coral reefs provide habitat for sharks, swordfish, sea stars, octopus, shrimp and many other kinds of fish, the scientists said. The world's largest tropical coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, stretches for about 1,430 miles (2,301 kilometers).

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Persons: ”, Derek Sowers, Stuart Sandin, —, Sowers, Erik Cordes Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, U.S, Exploration Trust, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Temple University, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP Locations: Atlantic, Florida, South Carolina, Yellowstone, Australia, U.S