A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the waters near the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean: the world’s largest coral. This massive organism, estimated to be over 300 years old, has astonished scientists with its size, biodiversity, and resilience. Dubbed the “mega coral,” it is a single, standalone colony rather than a reef.
Record-Breaking Discovery
The coral spans an incredible 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high, making it larger than a blue whale and roughly the size of two basketball courts. With a circumference of 183 meters, it is three times the size of the previous record-holder, “Big Momma,” located in American Samoa. Researchers believe it could be seen from space due to its vastness.
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The coral was discovered by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition, led by underwater cinematographer Manu San Felix. Initially mistaken for a shipwreck, the coral was later confirmed as a single organism formed by a complex network of coral polyps—tiny creatures that collectively create these extraordinary structures.
“It was like finding the world’s tallest tree,” said Enric Sala, founder of Pristine Seas.
Cathedral of the Ocean
Diver and discoverer San Felix described the sight as a “cathedral underwater.” The coral’s vibrant colors—splashes of yellow, blue, and red on a brown base—ripple across its surface, mirroring the ocean’s waves. Its exceptional health has allowed it to provide a critical habitat for marine life, supporting shrimp, crabs, and fish populations.
Marine biologists estimate the coral is between 300 and 500 years old, surviving centuries of environmental change. This resilience offers hope for the future of marine ecosystems.
Glimmer of Hope Amidst Climate Change
The discovery comes at a critical moment as global warming threatens coral reefs worldwide. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification have led to widespread coral bleaching, devastating iconic structures like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Yet, this coral’s survival in deeper waters offers a beacon of hope. Eric Brown, a coral scientist on the expedition, noted, “Witnessing this large healthy coral oasis…is a sign that not all is lost.”
Challenges Facing the Mega Coral
Despite its pristine condition, the mega coral is not immune to threats. Overfishing, which disrupts ecological balance, and warming oceans pose significant risks. Coral bleaching—the process by which stressed corals expel the algae that sustain them—is a growing global concern.
David M. Baker, a coral expert at the University of Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of conservation: “The existence of large and old corals is a sign of hope…but even remote reefs are not safe from climate change.”
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The Solomon Islands, known for their rich biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stressed the importance of preserving marine ecosystems: “Our survival depends on healthy coral reefs. This discovery underlines the need to protect them for future generations.”