Scientists discover world’s largest coral discovered in Solomon Islands

A massive coral, believed to be the largest ever recorded, has been discovered by scientists in the Solomon Islands, drawing worldwide attention to its size and environmental importance. The coral, which stretches approximately 111 feet wide and 104 feet long, spans an area comparable to two basketball courts and can be seen from space. This discovery, made by a team from the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in October, highlights the presence of previously unseen marine giants.

A giant hidden in the ocean

Dr. Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist, noted that the coral appeared “like a wreck” on the water’s surface. Its size was confirmed by underwater divers, who find coral spreading across the seabed with undulating waves of brown, yellow and blue hues. Estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old, this coral dwarfs the previous record holder, a coral known as “Big Momma” in American Samoa.

Pristine Seas founder Dr Enric Sala compared the discovery to finding the “tallest tree in the world” and highlighted its importance in marine biodiversity research. Dr. David M. Baker, a coral reef researcher at the University of Hong Kong, who was not part of the expedition, emphasized that large coral structures represent resilience, having undergone significant environmental changes over time. centuries.

A vital marine habitat in danger

Although the coral appears healthy, scientists have expressed concern about the threats it faces from local and global stressors. Overfishing is disrupting coral reef ecosystems by eliminating key species that support their health, while climate change poses a longer-term threat. Coral reefs are very sensitive to ocean warming, which can lead to coral bleaching and ultimately death, Timmers noted.

With more than 490 species of hard and soft corals, the Solomon Islands are home to one of the richest coral ecosystems in the world. The discovery of this coral is a reminder of both the hidden wonders of the ocean and the urgent need for conservation amid rising global temperatures.