A videographer has discovered the largest coral reef ever recorded in the southwest Pacific Ocean, a massive structure over 300 years old.
Found in the waters off the Solomon Islands, this ancient coral spans 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and stands 5.5 meters tall. It’s even larger than a blue whale.
The discovery was made by Manu San Felix, who, together with a National Geographic team, was exploring remote parts of the Pacific to study climate change. While diving near a known shipwreck, San Felix spotted something extraordinary beneath the waves. Calling his son and diving partner, Inigo, the pair descended for a closer look.
Awe and respect for an underwater “Cathedral”
Seeing the coral was a powerful experience, it felt like seeing a cathedral underwater, San Felix said, describing the awe he felt in the presence of something that has endured for centuries. Reflecting on the coral’s age, he marveled, “I thought, ‘Wow, this was here when Napoleon was alive.'”
Scientists on the expedition measured the coral using underwater tape, a rare feat given its location in deeper waters. This depth may have shielded it from the warming temperatures near the surface, which pose a serious threat to coral worldwide.
How corals form and why they matter
Corals are colonies of tiny creatures called polyps that grow together, each with its own body and mouth. Some corals develop a hard outer skeleton, and over time, these skeletons fuse to create vast coral reefs, which serve as vital habitats for countless fish and other marine species.
Coral reefs are vital to marine life, but also play a crucial role in the global economy. They contribute billions of dollars to local economies through tourism, including diving, recreational fishing, and businesses like hotels and restaurants. According to the World Economic Forum, coral reefs support the livelihoods of approximately one billion people, playing a key role in both tourism and fishing industries.
A call for protection at COP29
The discovery was announced as world leaders met at the UN climate conference, COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan, to push for stronger action on climate change. Representing the Solomon Islands, Climate Minister Trevor Manemahaga spoke with pride about the coral and the need to protect it.
“We rely mostly on marine resources for economic survival so coral is very, very important […] And it’s very crucial and critical for our economy to make sure our coral is not exploited,” he added.
Manemahaga also highlighted the urgent threats his nation faces from climate change, including stronger storms, eroded coastlines, and even homes being lost to rising waters. For the Solomon Islands and other vulnerable island nations, protecting these ecosystems is a matter of survival.
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