According to largest coral news, the discovery took place in the Pacific Ocean, where researchers were conducting an expedition to study marine ecosystems. The coral was found in the Solomon Islands as stands as the world’s largest measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long and 5.5 meters high.
Also Read: Latest Carbon Emissions News: Global Pollution Hits Record Highs
The largest coral news of 2024 shows that an individual coral located in the Pacific near the Solomon Islands. This mega coral spans 32 meters in length and 34 meters in width.
Scientists estimate that the coral is over 300 years old. Its size and age mean it has been a seen historical events back to the 18th century from the era of Napoleon to modern times.
According to largest coral news, Researchers used underwater measuring tools to gauge its size and the specimen’s growth rate has given insights into ocean conditions over centuries.
It is known as Pavona clavus, the coral is mostly brown but displays varied colors in parts. It is so large that it can be seen from satellite images in space.
The coral provides habitat for a wide range of marine life including reef fish, shrimp and crabs.
The Solomon Islands has over 490 species of hard and soft corals. This area contains the world’s second-highest concentration of coral species.
The oceans around the islands support rich marine life, but warming seas and human activities are impacting shallow coral reefs.
Enric Sala, the leader and a National Geographic Explorer in Residence expressed his awe at the coral’s beauty. The team comprising scientists, videographers and marine experts, documented this coral for study.
According to largest coral news, the local people in the Solomon Islands were unaware of the existence of this coral. The remote location and depth of the coral likely contributed to its undisturbed state.
Solomon Islands Climate Minister, Trevor Manemahaga expressed pride in the discovery.
The coral’s position in deeper waters may have shielded it from the warming effects. Eric Brown described the coral as a beacon of hope for marine conservation.
Its healthy state suggests pathways for coral resilience in the face of rising ocean temperatures.
Also Read: Philippines Latest Storm News: Fifth Storm in Less than a Month
The Solomon Islands are part of the Coral Triangle, an area that encompasses parts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. This region is known for its coral richness often touted as the Amazon of the Seas for its biodiversity.
Species like shrimp, crabs and fish rely on it for protection and habitat. Marine biologist Manu San Félix said that the coral’s network of polyps provides an ecosystem that fosters marine life.
This mega coral is not immune to climate change. Scientists fear that global warming, pollution and overfishing threaten its survival.
The Solomon Islands are ranked as the second-most vulnerable nation to natural disasters. The Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele addressed the importance of coral reefs.
Coral ecosystems also support global fisheries, indirectly feeding around a billion people by providing habitat for numerous fish species.
This largest coral news comes during a fourth mass coral bleaching event. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over 40% of warm-water reef-building coral species now face extinction.
Scientists worry that coral reefs have passed a critical tipping point.
Marine biologist and cinematographer Manu San Félix explained that this coral’s genetic makeup holds information on how to endure varied climate conditions.
This genetic encyclopedia could provide information into coral adaptability.
According to largest coral news, this coral was found as the COP29 United Nations Climate Summit takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, where delegations from 200 countries discuss strategies to combat climate change.
Also Read: Mnemiopsis leidyi: Comb Jellies Can Fuse and Reverse Age
