A Record-Breaking Find in the Solomon Islands
The world’s largest coral, spanning over 100 feet and estimated to be at least 300 years old, has been discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean. This remarkable find, announced Wednesday, is visible from space and was uncovered during a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in October.
The mega coral, three times larger than the previous record-holder in American Samoa, is longer than a blue whale and is a single continuous organism. Unlike reefs, which are composed of multiple colonies, this coral has grown uninterrupted for centuries.
“It’s close to the size of a cathedral,” said marine biologist Manu San Félix, who first dived to inspect the coral. National Geographic explorer Enric Sala marveled at the discovery, saying, “It’s made of nearly 1 billion little polyps, pulsing with life.”
A Living Archive and Thriving Habitat
While the coral may appear like a massive brown rock from above, up close it is a vibrant mosaic of colors — purples, yellows, reds, and blues — with intricate polyps that have formed over centuries. It provides shelter for marine species like fish, shrimp, and crabs and serves as a historical archive of oceanic conditions.
Measuring the coral posed challenges due to its sheer size, requiring teams of divers to stretch and reel measuring tapes across its length.
Symbol of Hope Amid Climate Crisis
This discovery is being hailed as a rare beacon of hope for coral reefs, which face existential threats from climate change. “The survival of this coral for hundreds of years shows that not all is lost for coral reefs,” said Derek Manzello of NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch.
Emily Darling, director of coral reefs at the Wildlife Conservation Society, echoed this optimism, noting that the Coral Triangle — a biodiversity hotspot that includes the Solomon Islands — may be more resilient to bleaching events compared to other regions.
Threats and Urgency for Action
Despite its resilience, the coral is not immune to threats like overfishing, pollution, and warming oceans. NOAA recently reported the most extensive global coral bleaching event on record, while the IUCN warns that over 40% of warm-water reef-building corals face extinction.
The announcement comes as global leaders gather at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable nations. Enric Sala emphasized the urgency: “This discovery underscores the need for wealthy nations to reduce carbon emissions and invest in conservation.”
A Boost for Local Conservation and Tourism
For the Solomon Islands, the coral represents a scientific breakthrough and a potential eco-tourism draw. “This is something huge for our community,” said Dennis Marita, the country’s culture and tourism director.
While the mega coral faces significant risks, its discovery offers a glimmer of hope and a rallying cry to protect Earth’s marine ecosystems.