The Discovery of the World’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands

A cluster of corals that beats all existing records and is the largest ever found has been located in the Solomon Islands, emphasizing the importance of marine protection in the face of climate change.

This finding was made under the National Geographic Pristine Seas program, where researchers had found a massive coral structure in South Pacific off the Solomon Islands, described as the largest of its kind. The structures of the Micronesian polyp are larger than a blue whale measuring 34 meters in length and up to 5.5 m high. Not just this colony in the Three Sisters Archipelago, it has experienced 300 years of success but re- emphasize coral resources' ability to adapt and diversify.

Pavona clavus coral in a 30m by 32m mega colony, outside the coral reef circuit with red, blue and yellow Hawaiian colors of brown stained (skin)

Albeit this mega-coral is a remarkable wonder of nature, the scientists are worried about its as well as the coral’s survivability owing to the fact that they may be dramatic changes brought by climate change and anthropogenic factors. Within such ideal conditions, this coral colony in spite of its position is still affected by global change and destruction of marine habitats. This maximizes the need for marine conservation and protecting coral resources.

These islands are called diverse Solomon Islands simply because of the 490 species of coral, making them among a few rich marine biodiversity areas in the world. This points to the need for additional Marine Protected Areas for species, biodiversity and coral reef protection.