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World’s Largest Coral Reef Found by Chance: Visible from Space Near Solomon Islands

The world’s Largest coral — an organism made up of about a billion polyps — is about three times bigger than the previous record-holder and was discovered by chance during an expedition off the Solomon Islands.

World's Largest Coral

In the vast, azure depths of the southwest Pacific Ocean, an extraordinary discovery has come to light—a coral so immense that it holds the title of the largest ever documented. Nestled near the Three Sisters Island group in the Solomon Islands, this colossal structure measures an astounding 111 feet (34 meters) wide, 105 feet (32 meters) long, and stands 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall. Its sheer size is so incredible that it’s even visible from space, a testament to its monumental scale.

The coral, identified as Pavona clavus, is a single, standalone organism rather than a network typical of coral reefs. Scientists believe it to be around 300 years old, making it not only a marvel of biology but also a time capsule of the ocean’s history. Its massive dimensions are equivalent to covering two basketball courts, offering a glimpse into centuries of changing marine conditions.

“This natural wonder has borne witness to centuries of oceanic history, including the arrival of the first Europeans in these waters,” said San Félix, an underwater cinematographer with National Geographic Pristine Seas, who first discovered the giant coral.

Its age and scale position this coral as a living monument, providing invaluable insights into the resilience of marine life. Spanning generations, it has weathered shifts in ocean temperature, storms, and human influences, standing as a symbol of the enduring beauty and mystery of the natural world.

The discovery of this massive coral was made by a team of scientists from the Pristine Seas program, an initiative dedicated to exploring and researching the world’s oceans to support conservation efforts. While aboard the Argo research vessel, the team was conducting a study on the health of the surrounding marine environment when they stumbled upon this extraordinary structure.

Initially, the scientists suspected it might be a shipwreck due to its immense size. However, upon closer inspection, they uncovered a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with life. The coral’s striking hues of yellow, blue, and red provide a thriving habitat for a variety of species, including shrimp, crabs, and reef fish. These creatures depend on the coral’s intricate structure for shelter and breeding grounds, highlighting its critical role in sustaining local biodiversity.

This unexpected find not only underscores the ocean’s capacity for surprises but also serves as a vivid reminder of the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

An aerial view of the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands. (Image credit: Photograph by Steve Spence,National Geographic Pristine Seas)

Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas. He likened the discovery to finding the world’s tallest tree, underscoring its significance. However, Sala also issued a cautionary note: “This is a significant scientific discovery, but there is cause for alarm.”

The Solomon Islands, known for hosting the second-highest coral diversity in the world, play a critical role in global marine conservation. The region’s reefs are vital ecosystems, providing habitats for countless marine species and serving as natural barriers that protect coastal communities from powerful storms. Yet, these ecosystems face mounting threats due to climate-driven changes.

As global temperatures rise and greenhouse gas emissions increase, oceans absorb more carbon dioxide, making the waters more acidic. This phenomenon, known as ocean acidification, has devastating consequences for coral reefs. Acidification hampers corals’ ability to grow their calcium skeletons, leaving them vulnerable and often bleaching them into lifeless, ghostly white structures.

The discovery of the Solomon coral, with its remarkable size and resilience, offers a glimmer of hope amidst these challenges. Its thriving condition stands as a symbol of nature’s resilience, but also as a call to action. Ronnie Posala, a Fisheries Officer with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, emphasized its cultural and ecological significance: “For the people of the Solomon Islands, this mega coral discovery is monumental. It reinforces the importance of our ocean, which sustains our communities, traditions, and future.”

Posala’s words underline the need for collective efforts to protect such wonders, not just for their ecological value but also for the livelihoods and cultural heritage they provide. This monumental discovery serves as both a celebration of marine life’s richness and a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and safeguard these natural treasures for generations to come.