November 26, 2024, 6:00 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Researchers have made an impressive discovery in the waters of the South Pacific: a giant coral that is even longer than a blue whale, and therefore larger than any other known specimen of its kind. And it is still growing.
In the South Pacific, researchers have discovered a coral over 30 meters long – the largest ever found, as reported by the “Pristine Seas” program of “National Geographic”. The massive structure, which stretches to a height of 5.5 meters, consists of a colony of tiny marine polyps and has been growing in the Solomon Islands ocean for more than 300 years. Unlike a coral reef, which consists of many colonies, this is an independent coral. This “mega coral” grows in the sea around the Three Sisters archipelago in the Solomon Islands, which is known for its extraordinary biodiversity. With a length of 34 meters and a width of 32 meters, this coral is even larger than a blue whale.
Coral Was Discovered During a Scientific Expedition
The researchers from “Pristine Seas” discovered the mega coral during a scientific expedition to the Solomon Islands. The program works with indigenous peoples and governments to protect the oceans. This makes the discovery of this giant coral all the more pleasing. It is particularly striking because of its yellow, blue, and red speckles, but is otherwise mostly brown. It is a giant stony coral of the species Pavone clavus, which forms an important basis of life for numerous species. Crabs, shrimps, and fish in particular depend on corals like this to survive.
“Just when we think there is nothing more to discover on Earth, we come across a massive coral made up of almost a billion tiny polyps, pulsating with life and color,” said Enric Sala, the founder of Pristine Seas, according to “Der Spiegel“. “This is a significant scientific discovery. But there is cause for concern. Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats.”
More and More Coral Reefs Are Being Destroyed by Humans
This discovery is a significant milestone, especially for the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands. “Our livelihoods depend on healthy coral reefs. This discovery underlines the need to protect and preserve them,” said Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele about the mega coral. An intact coral ecosystem is particularly important for fishing.
Currently, only around 8.4 percent of the world’s oceans are protected. The international community has already decided to protect at least 30 percent of marine areas by 2030. This shall happen in order to preserve the natural functions of the oceans for the carbon cycle and food security. However, it could already be too late by then. The effects of man-made climate change on these reefs around the world are already becoming apparent. On the Great Barrier Reef, the fifth mass bleaching event in eight years was recorded in March this year.
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Should You Dive to Corals?
For many, diving to corals in tropical seas is a dream that they would like to fulfill one day. But in this day and age, should we travel long distances by plane just to see an endangered life form underwater? Unfortunately, this type of tourism has a lasting impact on the environment. Not only do the long flights exacerbate climate change, but divers often damage reefs through direct impact. They stir up sediment, disturb marine life, and some even deliberately damage the corals. Diving tourism plays a large part in the fact that there will soon be no more corals to dive to. This is why discoveries such as the giant coral off the Solomon Islands need to be protected and preserved in the long term.