During an extraordinary expedition in October 2024, the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas team made an astonishing discovery in the Solomon Islands — the world’s largest coral colony. Initially mistaken for a forgotten shipwreck resting on the seafloor, cinematographer Manu San Félix was surprised to find a colossal coral structure measuring 112 by 105 feet. This remarkable coral, larger than a blue whale, is so massive that it is visible from space yet had remained hidden from human eyes.
The discovery was almost overlooked; Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist, noted its serendipitous nature, as it was found just before the team was set to explore a different area. This mega coral colony consists of nearly a billion genetically identical coral polyps functioning together as a unified organism. Though currently healthy, researchers voice concerns over the threats faced by corals globally—such as climate change and overfishing—and hope that this discovery will foster greater conservation efforts in the region.
Enric Sala, founder of Pristine Seas, likens the find to uncovering the tallest tree on Earth, celebrating how it reignites a sense of wonder about the ocean. The coral is a type known as Pavona clavus, characterized by its shoulder-like columns and a beautiful blend of colors. Notably, this colony has lived for approximately 300 years, witnessing significant historical events.
Despite its current health, the coral faces challenges from environmental stressors like global warming and pollution. With a staggering 77 percent of coral reef areas experiencing high temperatures leading to bleaching between 2023 and 2024, the survival of such a large and healthy coral colony offers a glimmer of hope for coral resilience amid the climate crisis. The location of the coral, in deeper and cooler waters, may be vital for its well-being.
Local communities are optimistic that this discovery may bolster their efforts to protect their waters, which have been informally safeguarded for around 14 years. Researchers stress the urgency to protect marine ecosystems globally, highlighting that only 8.4 percent of the ocean is currently under some form of protection according to government regulations.
Ultimately, this remarkable find serves as a reminder of nature’s resilience and the importance of conservation efforts. The existence of such a colossal coral colony inspires hope that with the right protections in place, marine ecosystems can thrive despite the environmental challenges they face.
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