Scientists say they have discovered the world's largest coral — measuring longer than a blue whale — on an expedition in Solomon Islands.
Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the giant coral discovered in Solomon Islands.Scientists on an expedition to Solomon Islands say they have discovered the world's largest coral, eclipsing previous record holders found in American Samoa.Scientists on the National Geographic expedition say the coral is healthy and provides a "beacon of hope" as nearby shallow reefs have degraded with warmer sea temperatures.
Team members spotted it in the Three Sisters island group in the Makira-Ulawa Province of Solomon Islands, and first thought it could be the remains of a shipwreck.Supplied: Seve Spence / National Geographic Pristine SeasNational Geographic explorer in residence Enric Sala said it was a significant scientific finding that showed why the world should protect more oceans.
Coral scientist for the expedition Eric Brown said large corals have high potential to reproduce, giving them a major role in helping coral reefs recover. "I would suspect in this case that this coral has existed in a very benign environment that's sheltered from major disturbances," he said.Mr Brown said most giant corals have been found in select areas like the Great Barrier Reef, the central part of the South Pacific, and now in Solomon Islands.
"Such discoveries remind us of our duty to safeguard these natural wonders, not only for their ecological value but for the livelihoods and cultural identity they provide." Pristine Seas team members Chris Thompson, Arick Amzaleg and Priscilla Pitakaka aboard a custom-designed submersible.Scientists embarked on the months-long Pristine Seas expedition to Solomon Islands in October to study its marine environments, with the aim of helping the country fulfil its commitments to protect its oceans.
National Geographic Pristine Seas World's Largest Coral
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