Milford Deep
Fiordland boasts some of the most interesting and awe inspiring places on the planet. Milford sound is undoubtedly the most popular part of the park. Hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the park every year from all parts of the world. They all come to visit some different aspect of the park that has pulled them there. From interesting aquatic biology, to boat cruises, to some of the most life changing hiking experiences, Milford sound has almost unlimited appeal.
One of the unique features that a person can see when they visit the sound is the Milford Deep experience (Fig 2).
Fig. showing an aerial shot of Milford Deep
“This is a facility where one descends over eight meters beneath the sea where a cross section of the species that live in Milford Sound can be seen. Visitors can follow the outline of the fiord wall plunging into the depths, view the amazing array of marine life and learn about the very special and unique features of life beneath the surface of the fiord (Hamilton, 1999).”
In general, the whole point behind building Milford Deep was to allow visitors to the sound a chance to see the unique aquatic life that can only be found in fiords. Once the observatory was built visitors began to see some very interesting things living under the waters of Milford sound. The observatory is made up of two different parts. The viewing room is the area where all of the spectators and visitors can descend into to see the different aquatic life. The room is eight meters in diameter and is supported by a hinged arm that can hold up to 85 tons (Hamilton, 1999). The second part of the observatory, which happens to be the first thing visitors see, is the reception room. Its total size is 26 meters by 11 meters and is supported by a five individual hinged arms that can support up to 100 tons (Hamilton, 1999). From these two spots, patrons of the observatory can learn and see different aquatic life like black and red coral. Black coral is especially interesting (Fig 3).
Fig. showing black coral, which is actually white
“The black coral in Fiordland is one of the most unusual in the world and is fully protected by New Zealand law (Hamilton, 1999).” One of reason that the coral is so interesting is the fact that it grows so close to the surface. Hamilton states, “A deep water species, it is unusual to see black corals shallower than 40 meters, outside Fiordland. Within Fiordland they can grow in depths as shallow as 6 meters and have been recorded at depths of over 100 meters on those same walls (Hamilton, 1999).” Along with the black coral that can be seen, there are several different species like Long-armed Snake Brittlestar, Red Coral, Brachiopod, Feather Star, and many more. These animals are all very unique to the fiord environment. In some cases they can only be found in this one spot on earth. Along with the interesting things there are to see below the surface, there is quite a bit to see above the surface.