A massive coral, the largest ever found, has been discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean. CTV
A remarkable discovery has been made in the southwest Pacific Ocean: the world’s largest known coral, a colossal structure over 100 feet long, estimated to be at least 300 years old, and so large it can be seen from space. This discovery was made during a scientific expedition in October 2024, led by the National Geographic Pristine Seas program, which aimed to explore ocean health around the Solomon Islands.
This new coral is not just large—it’s a giant compared to previous records. It’s three times the size of the previous largest coral, found in American Samoa, and its length surpasses that of a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. Unlike typical reefs, which are made up of numerous coral colonies, this one is a single specimen that has grown continuously for centuries, creating a unique structure.
“Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly 1 billion little polyps, pulsing with life,” said Enric Sala, a National Geographic explorer in residence. The expedition members were initially uncertain about what they had discovered, with some even mistaking the coral for a shipwreck. Once underwater, marine biologist Manu San Félix immediately realized the significance of the find, describing it as “close to the size of a cathedral.”
The coral’s stunning appearance reveals an intricate network of polyps—tiny creatures that have lived and built this massive structure over centuries. Its surface is dotted with vibrant colors, including purples, blues, and reds, offering a spectacular view that contrasts with its otherwise brown exterior. This coral also provides shelter for a wide range of marine life, such as fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Despite the excitement, measuring the coral proved to be challenging due to its immense size. The team had to work in pairs, stretching out measuring tapes between them to record the coral’s dimensions. The scale of the discovery speaks volumes about the marine life it supports and the potential insights it offers about ocean conditions over the centuries.
The discovery is a rare piece of good news in a time when coral reefs around the world face unprecedented challenges. Corals are crucial for marine ecosystems, providing food and shelter for countless species, and for humans, as they support fisheries and act as natural barriers against storms and rising sea levels. However, corals are under threat due to overfishing, pollution, and most significantly, climate change. As temperatures rise, many coral species are at risk, with over 40% of warm-water corals now facing extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The survival of this massive coral gives hope, though. Its existence suggests that certain areas may still offer conditions where corals can thrive despite global warming. “The survival of this coral, which is hundreds of years old, illustrates that all is not lost for coral reefs,” said Derek Manzello from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This discovery is especially timely as world leaders meet at the UN climate summit, COP29, in Azerbaijan. It serves as a reminder of the urgency to address climate change and protect these vital ecosystems. Enric Sala emphasized the need for wealthier nations to invest more in reducing carbon emissions to help preserve our planet’s coral reefs.
