World's largest coral discovered in Solomon Islands

Scientists have discovered the world’s largest coral, which can be seen from space, in the Solomon Islands.

The mega coral is three times larger than the previous record-holder and is believed to be around 300 years old.

Scientists from the National Geographic Pristine Seas team were researching the health of the Solomon Islands’ ocean environments when they made the discovery. When underwater cinematographer Manu San Felix first saw the mega coral, he thought it was a shipwreck due to its large size.

“Well, when you are in the water and you have the opportunity to see, it’s evident because it's enormous. And I remember the first time I saw it was like in the first second realized that I was looking to something unique because it's huge,'' he said.

The team’s coral expert, Eric Brown, said that the discovery is a reminder of the importance of coral reefs and the increased need for action to save the world’s oceans.

“Now the significance of finding coral like this, you know, goes beyond simply, you know, enjoying the moment and seeing this magnificent organism that's mega coral, because it doesn't just captivate the hearts and minds of people like seeing something magical, but it really shines a light (on) the significance of coral reefs worldwide, what their critical role is in the ecosystem,'' he said. — Reuters