“I think what we found is probably not an exception. It is more likely a reflection of how little we still know about coastal regions in West Africa and elsewhere." — #NatGeoExplorer and oceanographer Gérard Zinzindohoué Presumed dead since the 1960s, a forgotten coral ecosystem off West Africa has proven to be alive, healthy and teeming with life. In a historic first for Benin, #NatGeoExplorer Gérard Zinzindohoué and a team of scientists located and documented the first confirmed footage of deep-water (mesophotic) corals on the Gulf of Guinea continental shelf. The team worked alongside the National Geographic Society’s Exploration Technology Lab to overcome extreme logistical challenges, bring necessary technology to the region and navigate difficult conditions in the field — from long nauseating days at sea to persistent engine troubles. "These are ecosystems that are still poorly known in this part of the world, and every additional piece of information matters," shares Zinzindo...