‘A beacon of hope’: World’s largest coral discovered in the Pacific Ocean unharmed by global warming

Scientists have discovered the world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands. Distinct from a coral reef, which is a collection of coral colonies, this gigantic organism is a network of coral polyps.

It measures 34 metres wide and more than five metres high, making it longer than the world’s biggest mammal, the blue whale. It is so huge that it is visible from space.

“Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and colour,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of the Pristine Seas team which made the discovery.

This mega coral, thought to be around 300 years old, is exciting because it could provide unique insights into historical ocean conditions.

Scientists discovered the huge coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean when they were working from the Pristine Seas research vessel. It’s three times larger than any previously discovered coral.

To the untrained eye, it looks like just a huge rock, but a member of the National Geographic Pristine Seas team dove down to take a closer look and quickly realised it was a mega coral or ‘pavona clavus’.

Interestingly, the local community were unaware of its existence, even though it sits just beneath the surface of the ocean.

“This is a significant scientific discovery, like finding the world’s tallest tree. But there is cause for alarm. Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats,” added Sala.

The research team is living and working aboard their vessel on a months-long expedition that aims to advance ocean conservation by using cutting-edge technology to better understand the marine ecosystem in