By Ron Rocky Coloma
In a stunning discovery that showcases both the power and fragility of theplanet's marine ecosystems, scientists have located what is now considered the largest coral on Earth, a massive structure stretching 34 meters in width, 32 meters in length and standing 5.5 meters tall.
Positioned in the Solomon Islands' remote Three Sisters Island group, this mega coral is so large that it can be seen from space. The coral's sheer size, vibrant colors and isolated location make it a crucial find for marine scientists worldwide, as it holds centuries' worth of environmental data that could unlock secrets about our oceans’ health and resilience in the face of climate change.
The giant coral, identified as Pavona clavus, was discovered by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team during an expedition aimed at mapping and documenting the biodiversity of the Solomon Islands.
When researchers first spotted the colossal structure, they initially thought it was a large shipwreck or submerged rock due to its scale and shape. However, upon closer inspection, Pristine Seas’ underwater cinematographer Manu San Félix confirmed it to be a coral—a sprawling, living network of billions of coral polyps. This single coral has grown and expanded over roughly 300 years, surviving shifts in the ocean's environment, absorbing carbon and fostering a unique ecosystem.
“This is monumental,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas founder “It’s like finding the tallest tree on Earth but under the ocean.
“This coral, however, isn’t immune to the impacts of global warming and human activity,” he added. “It’s a reminder of the delicate balance of our ecosystems and how critical it is to protect them.”
The Solomon Islands, renowned for its biodiversity, boasts more than 490 species of coral and some of the world’s richest marine habitats.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed pride in the discovery but also underscored its importance for the local culture and economy.
“The ocean provides livelihoods for our communities and drives our economy.” he said. “This coral emphasizes the need to protect and sustain these ecosystems for future generations.”
The mega coral itself has become a haven for an incredible diversity of life, supporting species such as reef fish, shrimp and crabs. Its dome-shaped structure shelters and nurtures juvenile fish, offering a refuge from predators and rough ocean currents.
Eric Brown, a leading coral scientist on the Pristine Seas team, explained the significance of this single coral colony.
“Large adult coral colonies like this one play a vital role in ecosystem recovery due to their high reproductive potential,” Brown said. “Witnessing such a healthy coral of this magnitude is a rare and inspiring experience.”
Brown had previously measured the previous record-holding coral in American Samoa, making this discovery particularly meaningful.
The Pristine Seas expedition brought 18 scientists and filmmakers to the Solomon Islands to assess the region’s marine health, and it comes at a critical time.
Recent studies have shown that only 8.4 percent of the ocean is protected globally, a statistic scientists argue must increase to 30 percent by 2030 to maintain ocean health and resilience against climate change.
Protecting corals, which are home to 25 perent of marine species, is crucial not only for biodiversity but for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting millions of people globally through fishing, tourism and coastal protection.
Local communities see the coral as a symbol of both heritage and conservation.
“Coral reefs are like bustling underwater cities that support countless marine species. For the people of the Solomon Islands, this discovery reinforces the significance of our oceans, which sustain our communities and future generations," said Ronnie Posala, a fisheries officer with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
For the scientific team, the discovery was an exercise in precision and excitement. Measuring the coral’s massive circumference required several divers using measuring tapes and coordination.
“We operated in teams, with one diver marking a point while another reeled up the measuring tape to continue the process,” Brown said. “It was like a mission from an adventure film, but our focus was on ensuring scientific accuracy.”
The enormity and age of the coral bring another important dimension to its discovery: the insight it provides into the history of ocean conditions.
Pavona clavus, like other large corals, acts as a time capsule, recording information about water temperature, acidity and nutrient levels over centuries. This ancient coral structure has witnessed significant changes in the environment, from natural ocean warming periods to the human-induced climate changes of recent decades. Its genetic resilience offers scientists clues about adaptation strategies that could be crucial as oceans continue to warm.
“It’s incredible to think that this coral has been here since the early days of European exploration in these waters,” San Félix said. “This colony has outlasted centuries of human history, from the times of Newton and Darwin to Curie and Einstein.
“Its polyps are a living encyclopedia, a genetic archive that has weathered environmental changes we are just beginning to understand,” he added.
The Solomon Islands is uniquely positioned within the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine areas. This hotspot is home to a range of marine life found nowhere else on Earth, making conservation in this region essential.
Collin Beck, Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, remarked, “The discovery highlights the Solomon Islands’ role as custodians of marine treasures. We have so much to learn about our marine biodiversity, and this coral opens the door to new scientific insights.”
The ongoing Pristine Seas expedition, a collaborative effort between National Geographic, the Solomon Islands government, Ocean12 and other local partners, seeks to advance ocean conservation and engage communities in marine protection. Equipped with cutting-edge tools, such as submersibles and deep-sea cameras, the team will analyze the Solomon Islands’ marine health.
Paul Rose, Pristine Seas’ head of the Solomon Islands expedition, described the scope of the project.
“We’re here to explore what the Solomon Islands' communities already know and then fill in the gaps,” Rose said. “It’s about combining local knowledge with advanced techniques to protect marine life.”
The Solomon Islands’ marine environment, however, faces ongoing challenges. Coral reefs are sensitive to both local threats, such as overfishing, pollution and sedimentation from coastal logging, as well as global threats like ocean warming.
“Corals give us vital resources like food, coastal protection and a vast amount of biodiversity,” said Pristine Seas Lead Scientist Molly Timmers. “But they’re degrading quickly due to both local issues and the more severe, global impact of climate change.”
To protect coral reefs effectively, the Pristine Seas team recommends a balance of local conservation initiatives and global efforts. This aligns with the goals of the 2030 global biodiversity agreement, under which countries are working to protect at least 30% of the ocean.
The Solomon Islands could see a boost in eco-tourism from this discovery, an opportunity that has local leaders considering how best to leverage this find without disturbing the coral’s delicate ecosystem.
“This coral could attract researchers, marine biologists and tourists interested in seeing the largest coral in the world,” said Dennis Marita, chief of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “But we must prepare and protect this site. It’s about finding a way to share this wonder with the world while preserving its beauty and importance.”
This mega coral exemplifies how individual organisms within marine ecosystems contribute to larger environmental benefits. Beyond attracting species that feed on it, corals contribute to the health of surrounding ecosystems.
A single coral can foster biodiversity, support local economies and aid in climate resilience by absorbing carbon dioxide. Its structural complexity buffers coastal communities against storms and rising seas, benefits that extend beyond the Solomon Islands.
“Finding this coral shows that our oceans still hold mysteries. It’s a reminder of the beauty and resilience of life beneath the waves and the urgent need to protect it. This coral has stood for centuries—now it’s up to us to ensure it ensures it endures for centuries more," Sala said.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition
Comments