https://phys.org/news/2018-12-deep-reefs-species-coral.html

Dr. Muir said this represented roughly half of the coral species in the region and the findings suggest an important role for deeper habitats which could play a significant role in preserving coral biodiversity and help to regenerate damaged shallow reef areas.

Deeper reef areas provide some protection from coral bleaching and severe storm events that increasingly threaten reefs around the world.