See the newly discovered 1000-year-old deep-sea coral reefs in full color [Video]

The deep sea still holds many mysteries for humans, and that may be a good thing — at least for the growth and preservation of at-risk marine life.

Scientists have discovered two new deep-sea coral reefs located in the Galápagos Marine Reserve that have remained pristine and untouched by human explorers. These reefs are the second discovery in the region this year, following a similar one in April.

The scientists are on a 30-day ocean exploration using remotely controlled deepwater robots, with the team led by Stuart Banks, an oceanographer from the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute, a nonprofit operating the expedition’s underwater robot SuBastian, explained in a press releasethat the cold water reefs are situated at depths ranging from 370 to 420 meters and measure 800 meters in length and 250 meters in length. For context: 800 meters is the equivalent of eight football fields. …