Pristine Seas scientists conduct observations of the massive coral. Photo: National Geographic / Manu San Felix
The world's largest known coral has been discovered in the Solomon Islands to the surprise of locals.
The mega-coral measures 34 metres by 32 metres, making it larger than a blue whale. It is thought to be between 300 and 500 years old.
A team of scientists and filmmakers from National Geographic Pristine Seas made the discovery on 18 October in the Three Sisters island group, when visiting the remote site a few hundred metres off the eastern coast of Malaulalo Island.
"Making a new discovery of this significance is the ultimate dream of every scientist and explorer, and we are delighted that this mega coral, which will help inspire ocean conservation decision making, was found here in the beautiful Solomon Islands," Pristine Seas' head of the expedition to the Solomon Islands, Paul Rose, said.
"The coral is so colossal that it can even be seen from space.
"The Solomon Islands host the second highest coral diversity on the planet.
"Scientists and Solomon Islanders alike hope the discovery draws attention to the crucial role corals play in our ecosystem and in the climate crisis."
Pristine Seas scientists conduct observations of the massive coral. Photo: National Geographic / Inigo San Felix
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele told the National Geographic: "The ocean provides for our livelihoods and has contributed so much to our national economy and communities."
The discovery comes at a time when research shows that only 8.4 percent of the ocean is protected to some degree.
Scientific studies recommend that the world protect at least 30 percent of the ocean to maintain its role in absorbing much of our carbon pollution, as well as providing food, economic benefits, and employment for hundreds of millions of people.
A recent study found that we need about 190,000 small MPAs in coastal regions and 300 large MPAs in remote areas by the end of 2030 to achieve the target.
A fisheries officer from Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said, "Coral reefs are like bustling underwater cities, supporting a quarter of all marine life on our planet. They also act as the first line of defense for coastal communities, buffering against powerful waves and storms."
One of the world's premier coral scientists, Eric Brown, and a scientist for the Pristine Seas expedition to the Solomon Islands said, "Large adult coral colonies like this contribute significantly to the recovery of coral reef ecosystems due to their high reproductive potential."
Brown also identified and measured the previous record-holding coral, located in American Samoa.