National Geographic Scientists Discover 'World's Largest' Coral on Expedition to Solomon Islands

Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral during an expedition in the Solomon Islands, with a length surpassing even that of a blue whale. This solitary giant coral was found by a team of marine scientists from the National Geographic’s “Pristine Seas” project while investigating the country’s ocean health.

The coral measures 34 meters wide, 32 meters in diameter, and 5.5 meters in height, roughly equivalent to the size of five tennis courts. It surpasses other corals previously thought to be the world's largest, including one known as "Big Mama" in American Samoa. Expedition members found it in the Three Sisters Islands group of the Makira-Ulawa Province in the Solomon Islands, initially mistaking it for the remains of a shipwreck.

After diving underwater, they discovered a massive coral colony estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala stated that this is an important scientific discovery, indicating that the world should protect more of the oceans. He said it was "like discovering the tallest tree in the world." He added, "While we can observe every inch of land with satellites and drones, the ocean below the surface still holds such mysteries."

Molly Timmers, the lead scientist of the "Pristine Seas" expedition, encountered "Big Mama" in American Samoa 20 years ago. She said, "If 'Big Mama' looked like a large scoop of ice cream haphazardly placed on the reef, this newly discovered coral is like that ice cream beginning to melt, stretching endlessly along the seabed." The coral found in the Solomon Islands belongs to the genus Porites, with its rippled shape echoing the sea surface. It is mainly brown with patches of bright yellow, blue, and red. The expedition's scientists stated that the coral appears to be healthy. It differs from coral reefs, which are networks of many coral colonies.

National Geographic scientists estimate that the giant coral in the Solomon Islands is composed of a billion coral polyps, the small marine animals that form corals and build reefs. Eric Brown, the expedition's coral scientist, stated that large corals have high reproductive potential and play an important role in helping reefs recover. He said, "While nearby shallow reefs are degrading due to warming waters, seeing this large, healthy oasis of coral in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope."

Adam Smith, an adjunct associate professor at James Cook University, stated that Porites corals are the "giants" of the ocean and can live for hundreds of years. He believes that the coral found in the Solomon Islands will become a "cornerstone" of the local environment. Dr. Smith said, "It's a bit like the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House for Sydney. Such corals are incredibly important for the area and all its marine life." Peter Mumby, a marine scientist at the University of Queensland, also considered the newly discovered coral "astonishingly large."

Professor Mumby said, "That type of coral... tends to grow extremely large. They provide very valuable habitat for small fish, which then often attracts cleaner fish, and then larger animals like manta rays come in (for cleaning). So they're very important components of coral reefs." He also indicated that one of the reasons the coral is so large may be its location away from the main Pacific hurricane belt. "I suspect in this case, this coral has been in a very benign environment, free from major disturbances," he said. "If it's in the Solomon Islands, it won't be subject to frequent major storms."

Mr. Brown said that most giant corals are found in specific areas, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the central South Pacific, and now the Solomon Islands. "There seems to be something special about certain areas of the world that make them hotbeds for these giants," he said. The Solomon Islands are known for their diverse marine environment. It has hundreds of coral species and is also home to Kavachi, one of the region's most active underwater volcanoes.

Ronnie Posala, an official from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, stated that the country's latest marine discovery is "monumental." He said, "This underscores the importance of our oceans, which sustain our communities, traditions, and future. Such discoveries remind us of our responsibility to protect these natural wonders, not only for their ecological value but also for the livelihoods and cultural identity they provide." Local community members and Chief Dennis Marita, Director of Culture at the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism, expect the discovery to attract tourists and more scientists.

Chief Marita said, "This island is an unknown place in the world. Not many people go there, just a few locals, and people who live on nearby islands. Suddenly people will start coming to this island, but we need to be prepared for them. And we also need to make sure the coral is protected." Scientists began the months-long "Pristine Seas" Solomon Islands expedition in October to study its marine environment, aiming to help the country fulfill its commitments to protect the ocean. They used scuba diving surveys, deep-sea cameras, environmental DNA sampling, and technologies including custom-designed submersibles.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that the country's survival depends on healthy coral reefs. "This exciting discovery highlights the importance of protecting and sustaining them for future generations," he said. Marine experts warn that even corals of this size, such as the one found in the Three Sisters Islands, are vulnerable to rising sea temperatures caused by climate change. Professor Mumby said, "Hopefully, even if it does experience a bleaching event, its sheer size means that part of it might survive and then help the rest of it recover. But overall, we can't take these corals for granted, even though they've been with us for many, many years."