There are several risks for corals, the most threatening being trawlers. Originally, earth quakes and disease were the only threats to corals, but now pollution, sewage, and chemical leeching can instigate diseases. Jones and Atwood discovered that a map of where corals are located mirrors a map of underground oil deposits. This suggests a direct negative association with oil deposits. Jones explained that stronger tides cause more damage to corals by oil drilling and unfortunately Nova Scotia has the highest tides in the world.
Corals have the potential to help humans.
They are currently being tested for use in bone surgery and have the potential for other areas of medical reseach. Five new species status sheets on deep sea corals were released and the Museum of Natural History opened up a display of fascinating specimens in the Marine Room. Paramuricea grandis or Black coral status is unknown, but we know it is found as deep as 2150 meters. I suggest a visit to the Museum of Natural History to see this new display, it will amaze you that we have such beautiful corals off our coast.