Swiftia comauensis

Lore & Background

Swiftia comauensis is a gorgonian-type octocoral belonging to the family Plexauridae. Its known distribution is restricted to the Comau fiords of Huinay in the Hualaihué province of the Los Lagos region of Chile. Like other cold corals in the area, it is found in unusually shallow water on fiord walls at depths of 15 meters and below, alongside the stony corals Desmophyllum dianthus, Caryophyllia huinayensis, and Tethocyathus endesa.

The region's complex network of fiords and islands has made it popular with industrial salmon aquaculture and significant mussel farms. The species is threatened with extinction from aquaculture operations, which drop faeces that cause sedimentation and support conditions for harmful algal blooms through primary production and eutrophication. Additional threats include internationally significant use of antibiotics, copper from antifouling, abandoned gear, and invasive salmon species escapees. A proposed new road close to the fiord walls where the remaining population is found also threatens the coral through sedimentation and smothering. Historic overfishing from long lines and shellfish diving has been a further concern.

The marine indigenous community of Mañihueico-Huinay (Espacio Costero Marino de Pueblos Indigenarios) is concerned for the future of Swiftia comauensis and the other cold coral species threatened in the region, and is looking for international support in its preservation.

Reader's Guide

Swiftia comauensis is significant as a gorgonian-type octocoral endemic to the Comau fiords of Chile, representing a unique component of the region's cold-water coral fauna. Its occurrence in unusually shallow water on fiord walls, alongside stony corals such as Desmophyllum dianthus, Caryophyllia huinayensis, and Tethocyathus endesa, highlights the ecological distinctiveness of the Comau fiord environment. The species is threatened by multiple anthropogenic pressures: sedimentation and eutrophication from salmon and mussel aquaculture, harmful algal blooms, antibiotics, copper from antifouling, abandoned gear, invasive salmon escapees, and a proposed road that would cause further sedimentation and smothering. Historic overfishing from long lines and shellfish diving has also impacted the population. The marine indigenous community of Mañihueico-Huinay has expressed concern for the species' future and is seeking international support for its preservation, along with that of the other cold corals in the region. The species' restricted range and the combination of threats place it at risk of extinction, making conservation efforts critical.

Did You Know?

• Swiftia comauensis is only found in the Comau fiords of Huinay in the Hualaihué province of Los Lagos, Chile.
• The species is threatened by sedimentation and harmful algal blooms caused by aquaculture faeces.
• The marine indigenous community of Mañihueico-Huinay is seeking international support for its preservation.