Scientists say they've discovered the world's biggest coral, so huge it was mistaken for a shipwreck
Scientists have discovered the world’s largest standalone coral near the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. This massive coral, estimated to be over 300 years old, measures about 111 feet wide and 104 feet long. Researchers initially mistook it for a shipwreck due to its immense size and vibrant appearance. Made up of nearly one billion tiny polyps, the coral is described as "pulsing with life and color," forming a complex, interconnected structure. This "mega coral" is three times larger than the previous record holder, "Big Momma" in American Samoa. Unlike coral reefs, which consist of multiple colonies, this structure is a single, expansive coral. Lead scientist Molly Timmers compared its shape to melting ice cream spreading along the seafloor.
Scientists have discovered a
massive coral at the Three Sisters area in the Solomon Islands, so large it’s
thought to be visible from space. The National Geographic-led team found the
coral, which is longer than a blue whale, during a scientific expedition in the
region. Despite widespread coral bleaching in nearby tropical waters,
particularly in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this enormous coral offers hope
as it remains healthy in deeper, cooler waters. Coral scientist Eric Brown
described it as a “beacon of hope” amid the impacts of warmer seas. This
discovery highlights the ecological richness of the Solomon Islands, celebrated
for its biodiversity since the 1920s when wildlife observations there supported
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Solomon Islands official Collin Beck
emphasized the importance of further research to enhance our understanding of
ocean ecosystems and global biodiversity.
The announcement of the massive coral discovery near the Solomon Islands coincides with the COP29 UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. At the summit, Solomon Islands climate minister Trevor Manemahaga expressed pride in this unique marine find, emphasizing its significance for both biodiversity and the nation’s economy, which relies heavily on marine resources. He called for global recognition and protection of this special marine environment. Small island nations like the Solomons are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, underscoring the need for global action to safeguard their ecosystems and communities. To learn more, please read CBS News’ article https://www.cbsnews.com/news/worlds-biggest-coral-solomon-islands-mistaken-for-shipwreck-pacific-300-years-old/