A huge one coral reefso large that it can be seen from space, was discovered off the coast of Solomon Islandsin the South Pacific. They measure approximately 34 meters long by 32 meters wide, almost double the length of a blue whale. But its size is not the only extraordinary aspect: the coral, a Pavona clavuscould be over 300 years old. This organism has survived for centuries, witnessing historical and environmental events, evolving without ever being discovered.
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National Geographic researchers, who participated in the Pristine Seas expedition in October 2024, found a unique ecosystem, populated by about a billion polyps (animals related to jellyfish and anemones)which work together as a single organism, creating a structure that defies time and environmental challenges. But the question remains: How long will they survive as global coral reefs are threatened by global warming, pollution and overfishing?
The discovery: an impressive colony
The coral was discovered by chance. The underwater photographer Manu San Félixbusy documenting the expedition, initially thought he was faced with a marine wreck or a submerged boulder. But as he dived deeper, he discovered that it was a coral colony so vast that it defies belief.
Its location, 13 meters below the surface of the sea, made it difficult to locate. Its structure, which extends like a gigantic natural sculpture, is made up of genetically identical polyps which, working in unison, constitute a collective organism.
The colony is located in a protected area of the Solomon Islands, a place that falls within the Coral Triangle, an area that is home to extraordinary marine biodiversity. Although the remote location has contributed to its conservation, the research team is concerned about the future of this organism, given the growing threat of global warming and other human activities that threaten coral reefs around the world.
But what makes this coral so special? His age is the first fascinating aspect. Despite its massive and imposing appearance, the colony has been alive for centuries and has gone through numerous historical and environmental changes. If this colony is indeed about 300 years old, as scientists suggest based on its height, it means that it has seen events fundamental to the history of the Planet: from the first contacts with Christian missionaries to modern events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
This long lifespan is a testament to the resilience of corals, but also to the challenges they have faced. Despite this, the newly discovered colony appears to be in excellent health, which raises questions about why this specific colony was able to hold on better than others.
According to the scientist Molly Timmersleader of the expedition, the particular position of the coral could be a determining factor. Being located in deeper and colder watersoutside the reach of the warmer waters that cause bleaching, this coral may have found an ideal habitat to thrive. Furthermore, the natural protection afforded by its hillside location may have shielded it from the rapid changes that are devastating other coral reefs.
A future in the balance
However, scientists are cautious about talking about hope. Corals are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, and global warming continues to accelerate. 77% of global coral areas experienced bleaching caused by higher water temperatures between 2023 and 2024. If global warming exceeds the 1.5°C limit, it could be catastrophic for all coral reefs , including this giant one.
The Pristine Seas team hopes that the discovery of this coral can serve as a catalyst for stronger action to protect the oceans. “This discovery reminds us how important it is to protect our wild marine spaces,” he said Enric Salafounder of Pristine Seas. The local community of the Solomon Islands, in fact, has long established informal protections for its waters, but it is essential to obtain official and international support to ensure the protection of these vital ecosystems.
