World’s largest coral found in the Pacific

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have found the largest coral ever recorded in the Solomon Islands, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. This extraordinary coral is not a single entity but rather a collection of many tiny creatures known as polyps, which work together to form one large organism. The scientists estimate that this mega coral could be over 300 years old, making it older than many historical figures. It is said to be larger than a blue whale, which is one of the biggest animals in the ocean. The discovery was made by a videographer who was part of a National Geographic expedition exploring remote areas of the Pacific to assess the impact of climate change on marine life. The coral measures an impressive 34 meters in width, which is about the length of a basketball court. While the coral is primarily brown, it showcases a variety of colors in certain areas. Manu San Felix, one of the divers, described the experience of seeing the coral as akin to discovering a 'cathedral underwater. ' He expressed a deep sense of respect for this ancient organism that has thrived in one location for centuries. He reflected on the fact that this coral was already present during the time of Napoleon, which added to the emotional weight of the discovery. The scientists utilized a specialized underwater tape measure to accurately gauge the dimensions of the coral. They found it to be 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5. 5 meters high. This discovery is particularly significant as coral reefs around the globe are facing severe threats due to rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change. Corals are composed of countless living organisms called polyps, each with its own body and mouth, which collectively form a colony. Some corals develop hard outer skeletons, and when many of these skeletons fuse together, they create a coral reef. These reefs are vital ecosystems that provide habitats for numerous fish and other marine species. Additionally, coral reefs support the livelihoods of approximately one billion people worldwide through tourism and fishing industries. The scientists have reported that the newly discovered coral is in good health. It was located in deeper waters compared to some other coral reefs, which may have shielded it from the higher temperatures experienced at the ocean's surface. The announcement of this discovery coincided with the UN climate talks, COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders are striving to make progress in addressing climate change. Trevor Manemahaga, the climate minister for the Solomon Islands, expressed pride in the discovery during the summit. He stated, 'We want the world to know that this is a special place and it needs to be protected. ' He emphasized the importance of coral for the economy of the Solomon Islands, as many residents depend on marine resources for their survival. Small island nations like the Solomon Islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Mr. Manemahaga shared his firsthand experiences with the effects of global warming, including more intense cyclones and coastal erosion that threatens homes and livelihoods. Scientists determined the age of the coral by measuring its growth over time. Many developing countries at the climate talks are advocating for increased financial support from wealthier nations to assist them in implementing strategies to combat climate change. Mr. Manemahaga believes that additional funding would enable the Solomon Islands to create more diverse job opportunities, reducing reliance on industries that harm coral reefs. Currently, logging is a significant part of the country's economy, but it contributes to water pollution that negatively impacts coral health. Eric Brown, a coral scientist involved in the National Geographic research expedition, remarked that the health of the coral appears to be 'looking pretty good. ' He noted that while nearby shallow reefs have suffered due to warmer sea temperatures, the presence of this large, healthy coral in slightly deeper waters serves as a 'beacon of hope. ' The coral species identified is called Pavona clavus, and it provides a habitat for various marine creatures, including shrimp, crabs, and fish. The age of this coral also offers scientists a unique opportunity to study historical oceanic conditions. They hope to conduct further research to understand how this coral has grown and adapted over the years. A recent report revealed that 44% of corals living in warm waters are currently threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This represents a significant increase of one-third since the last assessment conducted in 2008. Christopher Cocker, the chief executive of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, expressed concern about the future of coral reefs and the need for urgent action to protect these vital ecosystems.