this flattopped seamount measures approximately km in diameter at the base and rises m above the adjacent bathyal plain with a summit m below sea level the high faunal diversity and density indicate a uniquely rich environment in the levant basin possibly an isolated refuge for relict populations of species that have disappeared from the adjacent continental slope this area likely represents one the most pristine environments found in the mediterranean sea and therefore its protection fromfishingactivitiesisconsideredapriority gfcm the coral colonies consist of bioconstructed buildups mostly located on muddy mounds widespread in the study area other important taxa foraminifera porifera brachiopoda anellida etc these species also contribute to the complexity of the lophelia reef community with the presence of many suspension feeders and a complex trophic system