World's largest coral discovered in Solomon islands

A team of scientists has discovered the world’s largest known coral in the waters off the Solomon Islands, a massive and vibrant organism that can be seen from space.

Measuring 183 metres (600 feet) in circumference, this gigantic coral, a species known as Pavona clavus, is estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old.

The coral, which stretches 34 meters (112 feet) in width, 32 meters (105 feet) in length, and rises over 5 meters (16 feet) in height, was uncovered by the National Geographic Pristine Seas team during an expedition in the Pacific’s "Coral Triangle"—an area renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.

This colossal coral is one of the largest single coral organisms ever discovered and is unique for its solitary growth, unlike the more common multi-colony coral reefs.

The Pavona clavus is mainly brown with vibrant streaks of yellow, blue, and red, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding ocean.

It is home to a wide range of marine species, including fish, shrimp, and crabs, which thrive within its intricate network of polyps.

The discovery was made by National Geographic's marine ecologist, Enric Sala, who called it a "significant scientific breakthrough," likening it to finding the "world's tallest tree."

Sala also noted the pressing need for conservation efforts, as the coral, despite its remote location, faces threats from global warming and human activity.

"This massive coral is pulsing with life and color, but its existence is under threat," Sala warned.

The coral is not part of a reef system but is a standalone organism that has grown uninterrupted over centuries.

It began from a single larva that settled on the seabed and eventually multiplied into millions of genetically identical polyps. Its sheer size and age make it a significant discovery, as the species typically grows to just 2 to 3 meters across.

The team initially mistook the coral for a shipwreck when they first spotted it underwater. However, after diving 12 meters down, they identified it as a Pavona clavus.

Local fishers had previously overlooked it, possibly mistaking it for a boulder due to its size and shape.

This discovery is also significant for the Solomon Islands, where marine life plays a central role in the culture and livelihoods of local communities.

Ronnie Posala, a fisheries officer with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries, described the find as "monumental," emphasizing the importance of protecting the country's marine ecosystems.

"Such discoveries remind us of our duty to safeguard these natural wonders," Posala said.

Scientists are hopeful that the resilience of this massive coral may offer insight into how coral species can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

While the region's shallow reefs are being degraded due to rising sea temperatures, this deep-water coral oasis has remained healthy, offering hope for coral conservation.

The coral’s resilience could potentially aid in the repopulation of damaged reefs worldwide.

Eric Brown, a coral scientist on the expedition, pointed out that the large, healthy coral serves as a beacon of hope for coral conservation.

“We are seeing a healthy oasis, even as other coral ecosystems struggle,” Brown remarked. He also noted that the nearby islanders have made efforts to establish conservation zones to protect the area from further harm.

Although the coral is located in a remote and protected region, scientists stress that it is not immune to global threats such as ocean warming and pollution, which pose serious risks to coral reefs worldwide.