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The largest coral specimen ever recorded has been found in the Solomon Islands, measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high. This ancient coral, likely over 300 years old, was discovered by videographer Manu San Felix on a National Geographic expedition to assess climate change impacts in remote Pacific regions. The coral, identified as Pavona clavus, thrives in deeper waters and is possibly protected from warmer surface temperatures that have severely affected many other reefs worldwide.
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The coral provides shelter for diverse marine life, such as shrimp, crabs, and fish, forming a miniature ecosystem. Eric Brown, a coral scientist on the research team, described it as an “oasis” in a largely degraded seascape, sparking hope for coral resilience. The discovery has inspired calls for preservation, with Solomon Islandsβ climate minister, Trevor Manemahaga, stressing the importance of coral ecosystems for local economies and livelihoods.
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The UN climate summit in Azerbaijan further highlights this discovery, as countries like the Solomon Islands push for greater international support to mitigate climate damage. A recent report indicates that 44% of warm-water corals now face extinction threats, underscoring the urgency of global climate action to protect these vital marine ecosystems.
