Scientists aboard a National Geographic research vessel have uncovered the world’s largest known coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean, a massive specimen of Pavona clavus. Found near the Three Sisters islands in the Solomon Islands, the coral measures 34 meters in width, 32 meters in length, and stands 5.5 meters tall. Its circumference spans an impressive 183 metres, making it larger than the world’s biggest animal, the blue whale.
This rare discovery, led by the National Geographic Pristine Seas team, reveals a standalone coral structure, distinct from a coral reef, and home to a vast network of coral polyps, according to a press release by the National Geographic Society.
Thought to be between 300 and 500 years old, this coral has continuously grown, providing an essential habitat for numerous species, from fish to invertebrates. It’s so colossal now that it is visible from space, comparable in size to two basketball courts or five tennis courts. The mega coral was carefully measured by the scientific team using tape to capture its impressive dimensions — three times larger than the one that previously held the record.
“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,” Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, was quoted as saying in the press release. “This is a significant scientific discovery, like finding the world’s tallest tree.”
He, however, said climate change and human activity pose threats even to such remote marine life.
Key Features Of The Giant Coral
- Size: Measures 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high, with a circumference of 183 meters
- Species: Pavona clavus
- Age: Estimated to be 300 to 500 years old
- Appearance: Primarily brown with bright streaks of yellow, blue, and red; its surface has a wave-like ripple effect
- Location: Found in the Three Sisters island group in the Solomon Islands, within slightly deeper waters
- Visibility: So large it can be seen from space
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Renewed Focus On Ocean Conservation
When first seen, team members believed the coral to be a shipwreck due to its vast size. Manu San Félix, an underwater cinematographer, dove to investigate and confirmed it as an exceptionally large coral. “It is a natural monument that has seen the arrival of the first Europeans to these waters,” remarked San Félix, noting the coral’s survival through diverse historical eras.
The coral’s habitat offers refuge for marine life vital to the local communities, underscoring the importance of coral conservation for the Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele emphasized the role of healthy coral reefs in sustaining local communities and economies, stating, “The ocean provides for our livelihoods and has contributed so much to our national economy and communities. Our survival depends on healthy coral reefs, so this exciting discovery underlines the importance of protecting and sustaining them for future generations.”
Coral scientist Eric Brown highlighted the coral’s ecological significance. “Large adult coral colonies like this contribute significantly to the recovery of coral reef ecosystems due to their high reproductive potential,” he said, adding that while nearby reefs have been affected by warming seas, this deeper-water coral provides a glimmer of hope.
The discovery comes at a time when only 8.4% of the ocean is protected globally. Studies suggest that at least 30% should be conserved to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Collin Beck, Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary, reflected on the find’s importance for advancing knowledge about the ocean ecosystem, saying, “There is so much to learn about the richness of marine life and the ocean ecosystem, but this finding opens doors. of knowledge.”
According to the National Geographic Society, a team of 18 scientists and filmmakers from National Geographic’s Pristine Seas set out on an expedition in mid-October to assess the health of ocean ecosystems around the Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Solomon Islands government. Stationed aboard the research vessel Argo, a high-tech submersible that reaches depths of up to 1,300 metres, the team comprising both local and international experts is conducting a series of in-depth studies, including SCUBA dive surveys, seabird counts, underwater visual assessments , and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, the society said in the press release.
