By Faridat Salifu
Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery in the Solomon Islands: the world’s largest known individual coral colony.
Spanning an area the size of two basketball courts, the colony is a remarkable testament to nature’s resilience and the untapped mysteries of the ocean.
The coral, identified as Pavona clavus, measures 34 meters wide and 32 meters long, and is estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old.
This colossal structure was discovered near the largely uninhabited island of Malaulalo during a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, in collaboration with the Solomon Islands government.
“It’s a dream to see something unique like this,” said Manu San Félix, an underwater photographer and marine biologist who spotted the coral, adding, “When Napoleon was alive, this coral was already here.”
The colony, composed of millions of tiny polyps, stands out not only for its size but also for its apparent resilience to environmental stressors.
Unlike nearby corals suffering from bleaching and heat damage, this coral appeared healthy, likely due to its location in deeper, cooler waters or its genetic tolerance to heat.
The discovery sheds light on the importance of coral reefs, which are critical ecosystems that protect shorelines, support marine biodiversity, and drive coastal economies.
However, with climate change warming the oceans, coral reefs worldwide are facing unprecedented bleaching events and extinction risks.
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“This discovery is a beacon of hope,” said Molly Timmers, lead scientist of the expedition, adding, “It shows us that despite the challenges, there are resilient species that can help damaged reefs recover.”
Large coral colonies like this one provide habitat for marine creatures such as crabs, snails, and small fish. They also play a vital role in seeding new corals, which is crucial for restoring damaged reefs.
For the local Po’onapaina Tribe of Ulawa, which oversees Malaulalo’s marine territory, the discovery is deeply significant.
The tribe has been informally conserving the area for a decade, and this find could bolster their efforts to gain formal recognition as a marine protected area.
“This mega coral will help bring much-needed visibility and recognition from the government and other stakeholders,” said Dennis Marita, the tribe’s representative and Director of Culture at the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The Solomon Islands’ government is now exploring ways this discovery can enhance conservation initiatives and drive sustainable tourism, bringing global attention to the region’s rich but under-explored marine biodiversity.
Experts emphasize that while the discovery is extraordinary, it highlights the urgent need for broader conservation efforts.
Stacy Jupiter of the Wildlife Conservation Society noted that only about five percent of the world’s oceans have been explored, suggesting more discoveries like this await.
“This discovery could inspire greater public and political support for coral reef protection,” Jupiter said.
As climate change continues to threaten coral reefs, this resilient colony stands as a powerful reminder of nature’s strength and the critical importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
