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The Blake Plateau, a vast undersea area off the coasts of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida, is a sacred and biologically rich treasure that demands our reverence and protection.
This extraordinary ecosystem, home to the world's largest deep-sea coral reef habitat, is a biodiversity hotspot of Biblical proportions. Towering ancient coral mounds, methane seeps, and floating Sargassum seaweed meadows nurture colossal sperm whales, bluefin tuna, whale sharks, threatened loggerhead sea turtles, rare seabirds, and thousands of other species. But the Blake Plateau's importance extends far beyond its rich biodiversity. |
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For the Gullah/Geechee nation, descendants of African and Indigenous tribes, this site is a sacred ancestral burial ground – "the resting place where the blood and bones of Gullah/Geechee ancestors have contributed to the growth of this tremendous ecological area," as Chieftess Queen Quet eloquently states. It stands as a solemn witness to the tragedy of the Middle Passage while also symbolizing the possibility of new life emerging from that horror.
Recent expeditions have illuminated the mysterious wonders of the Blake Plateau, but much remains to be discovered and understood about this extraordinary realm. Despite its significance, less than 1% of the waters off the Southeastern U.S. coast are strongly protected, and the Blake Plateau's current safeguards will expire in 2032. Emerging threats like deep-seabed mining could devastate this fragile ecosystem, smothering its ancient coral cities with sediment plumes. |
As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's creation. The Blake Plateau presents a unique opportunity to protect a sacred and biologically vital part of the ocean before it is compromised. Join us in advocating for durable safeguards to preserve this wondrous gift for present and future generations.
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