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class="IKUxI xFOBK YsVzB NuCDJ fMJDZ ZCNuU tZcZX JuzoE "><div class="jVJih nAZp " data-testid="prism-tags"><ul class="VZTD UeCOM dAmzA ltDkr qBPOY uoPjL "><li class=" "><a class="theme-iPcRv theme-HReFq mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf zYXIH jIRH wNxoc OJpwZ eqFg wSPfd ofvJb bMrzT LaUnX EgONj ibBnq kyjTO lvyBv aANqO aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo SIwmX oIWqB mzm MbcTC sXtkB yayQB vXSTR ENhiS dQa-Du SVBll bpBbX GpQCA tuAKv xTell wdAqb ZqGqs LVAIE TnrRA uECag DcwSV XnBOJ cELRj SUAFz XzYk zkmjG aSyef pFen hoNVj TQOOL Haltu NafGB KpEhF jyjDy kZHqU FZKIw QddLR SKDYB UmcQM giepU cTjQC aRMla MMxXy fFMcX PbMFf hJRbU MRTyf iFJTR koyYF TkdYt DZNRX MALjb VUFMN " data-testid="prism-Tag" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment" data-pos="0"><span class="QXDKT rGjeC tuAKv iMbiE ">ENVIRONMENT</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="kCTVx qtHut mvZn glxIO HfYhe vUYNV VGOqD nDkuk uCVfO XrzrX sXfj " data-testid="prism-headline"><h1 class="vMjAx LUMjB RtFg McMEw mTgUP qWFdL oWqkN "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Scientists discover world’s largest coral—so big it can be seen from space</span></h1><p class="jxTEW Poyse uieav lqtkC glxIO HfYhe vUYNV XrzrX gSgNQ VcNTI bUaxD "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Exclusive photos reveal a sprawling, 300-year-old coral near Solomon Islands, recently discovered by the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas expedition team.</span></p></div></div></div></div></div><div class="qwdi glxIO vUYNV "><div class="InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW " data-testid="prism-inline-image"><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:66.650390625%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=718&h=479, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=718&h=479, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1280&h=853, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=2560&h=1706 2x"/><img alt="Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR bmjsw TmzDJ HlUVI zFZKO PSQP " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg"/></picture></div></div><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs tDZif OIPJp GrcKq lRwhN " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-lg:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xl:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xxl:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:auto;--grid-column-start-lg:auto;--grid-column-start-xl:auto;--grid-column-start-xxl:auto"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC oQhc iZrkr lZur XlXbz YCugL QqozP wuHqT " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main "><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div style="--spacing-top:40px;--spacing-bottom:0px;--spacing-child-top:initial;--spacing-child-bottom:24px;--spacing-firstChild-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-bottom:initial;--spacing-lastChild-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-bottom:24px;--spacing-compact-top:24px;--spacing-compact-bottom:0px;--spacing-firstChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-compact-bottom:initial;--spacing-child-compact-top:initial;--spacing-child-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-compact-bottom:24px" class="dHdHP jLREf zXXje aGO eCClZ nTLv jLsYA gmuro TOSFd VmeZt sCkVm hkQai wGrlE MUuGM fciaN qQjt DhNVo Tgcqk IGLAf tWjkv "><div class="QHblV nkdHX mHUQ kvZxL hTosT whbOj " data-testid="prism-byline"><div class="VZTD mLASH OcxMG oJce "><div class="kKfXc ubAkB VZTD rEPuv "><div class="TQPvQ fVlAg HUcap kxY REjk UamUc WxHIR HhZOB yaUf VOJBn KMpjV XSbaH Umfib ukdDD "><span class="tChGB zbFav ">By</span><span>Melissa Hobson</span></div><div class="VZTD mLASH gpiba "><div class="jTKbV zIIsP ZdbeE xAPpq QtiLO JQYD ">November 14, 2024</div></div></div></div><div class="RwkLV Wowzl FokqZ LhXlJ FjRYD toBqx " data-testid="prism-share"><div class="JpUfa aYoBt "><ul class="MZaCt dUXCH nyWZo RnMws Hdwln WBHfo tAchw UDeQM XMkl NUfbq kqfZ "><li class="WEJto "><button aria-label="Share Story on Facebook" class="theme-EWITS mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf ZXRVe jIRH NoTgg CKnnA uklrk nCmVc qWWFI nMRSd YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN aANqO aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB ihLsD niWVk AAqU fctVp ENhiS kCffO kOEGk WMbJE eVJEc TElCQ ZAqMY enocc pJSQ ABRfR aaksc OKklU ATKRo RfOGv neOGk fuOso DwqSE fnpin ArvQf dUniT Mzjkf Niff NKnwO ijAAn dEuPM vwJ JmUFf sgyq cRbVn sBVbK fCfdG oMkBz aOwuK XsORH EgRXa hMVHb LTwlP jJbTO CnYjj TiUFI qeCAC xqvdn JaQpT dAfv PNgfG fIWCu NewES UJNbG EgBCK UvFHa lCCRi XDQHW spAMS TPSuu sbdDW askuE VsLUC YHsrW pYmVc eHvZI qRTXS UOAZi JnwGa pAXEL nKDCU gTRVo iCOvJ znFR hjDDH JboFf OBVry " data-testid="prism-Button" type="button" 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4.156a5.968 5.968 0 001.757 4.029c.6.6 1.244 1.029 1.971 1.329s1.5.429 2.271.429c.685 0 1.414-.129 2.056-.386a6.063 6.063 0 001.886-1.114l5.486-5.485a5.955 5.955 0 001.715-3.471 6.156 6.156 0 00-.729-3.644z"/></svg></span></button><div class="xdNAs rMQsN cELo NoeP BtinW YHmbu hWtE "></div></div></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="natgeoDivider XQpSH " data-testid="prism-divider"></div></div></div></div></div><div style="--spacing-top:0px;--spacing-bottom:32px;--spacing-child-top:initial;--spacing-child-bottom:24px;--spacing-firstChild-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-bottom:initial;--spacing-compact-top:24px;--spacing-compact-bottom:32px;--spacing-firstChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-child-compact-top:initial;--spacing-child-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-compact-bottom:initial" class="dHdHP jLREf zXXje aGO eCClZ nTLv jLsYA gmuro TOSFd VmeZt sCkVm hkQai wGrlE MUuGM fciaN qQjt DhNVo Tgcqk IGLAf tWjkv "><div class="PrismArticleBody SingleColumn xvlfx ZRifP TKoO eaKKC EcdEg bOdfO qXhdi NFNeu UyHES " data-testid="prism-article-body"><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC ">From the surface, it looked like a shipwreck, long forgotten on the seabed. But when cinematographer Manu San Félix dove down to take a closer look, he was amazed to find a huge, sprawling coral.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">That was the moment the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas team says they discovered the world’s largest coral colony during an October 2024 <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://news.nationalgeographic.org/in-the-solomon-islands-scientists-filmmakers-and-leaders-explore-the-ocean-in-hopes-of-protecting-it/">expedition</a> in <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/solomon-islands">Solomon Islands</a>, an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">At 112 by 105 feet, this mega coral is longer than a <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/blue-whale">blue whale</a><u class=" ">, Earth’s largest animal</u>. It is so enormous that it can be seen from space—yet it was long hidden from view.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"></div></div></div></div><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" 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media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e61326bd-d6ba-4dce-8a9e-5468418d9a4b/NGPS24SOL_20241109_DuffIslands_CMB_C5D_BassIslandsRainbow.jpg?w=718&h=416, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e61326bd-d6ba-4dce-8a9e-5468418d9a4b/NGPS24SOL_20241109_DuffIslands_CMB_C5D_BassIslandsRainbow.jpg?w=1436&h=832 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e61326bd-d6ba-4dce-8a9e-5468418d9a4b/NGPS24SOL_20241109_DuffIslands_CMB_C5D_BassIslandsRainbow.jpg?w=1280&h=742, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e61326bd-d6ba-4dce-8a9e-5468418d9a4b/NGPS24SOL_20241109_DuffIslands_CMB_C5D_BassIslandsRainbow.jpg?w=2560&h=1484 2x"/><img alt="A rainbow near Duff Islands, Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e61326bd-d6ba-4dce-8a9e-5468418d9a4b/NGPS24SOL_20241109_DuffIslands_CMB_C5D_BassIslandsRainbow.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Solomon Islands is nation made of six major islands and over 900 small islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The Duff Islands seen here sit to the east and are approximately 300 nautical miles from the newly discovered 'mega coral'.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The researchers almost missed it too. Its discovery “was really serendipitous,” says Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist. “It was found the night before we were moving to another section.”</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The expedition team say this is the largest coral colony ever recorded. It is made up of nearly a billion genetically identical coral polyps that work together in the colony as if they are one organism.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Although the newly discovered coral is in excellent health, researchers worry about the many threats facing all corals, including global warming and overfishing. They hope this discovery will inspire more protections for marine habitats in the Solomon Islands.</p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq ">Billions of coral polyps<b class="cXscX "> </b></h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“Finding this mega coral is like discovering the tallest tree on earth,” says Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, via email. “This discovery rekindles our sense of awe and wonder about the ocean.”</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The organism is a type of hard coral called <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/133240/165789360"><i class=" ">Pavona clavus</i></a><i class=" ">, </i>or <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/108973-Pavona-clavus">shoulder blade coral</a><u class=" "> because it has columns that</u> “kind of looks like shoulders,” says Timmers.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" 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from the Argo on expedition in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f63655a-2011-4b02-985a-4500813d0077/47---NGSPS2024SOL_1102_ReefIslands_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_DeepSeaCam_Deployment.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Team members deploy a deep-sea camera from the Argo research vessel. The 'mega coral' is so large it can be seen from space, but the coral has remained hidden from view just offshore.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="Kiog gTIDq DtvAy ZcEtc IRwwZ "><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:66.650390625%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=767&h=511, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=1534&h=1022 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=1024&h=683, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=2048&h=1366 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=1260&h=840, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=2520&h=1680 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=1440&h=960, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg?w=2880&h=1920 2x"/><img alt="Ronnie Posala preparing for a dive on the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg"/></picture></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="nhMGc uZRln CebRs "><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur tSkSq " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Ronnie Posala, a fisheries officer with the Solomon Islands' government, prepares for a dive. The newly discovered coral sits 42 feet beneath the ocean's surface and was discovered by chance, just before the research team prepared to survey a different location.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:66.650390625%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" 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srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=767&h=510, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=1534&h=1020 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=1024&h=681, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=2048&h=1362 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=1260&h=838, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=2520&h=1676 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=1440&h=958, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg?w=2880&h=1916 2x"/><img alt="A group of scientists underwater studying world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg"/></picture></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="nhMGc uZRln ppewn "><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur tSkSq " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">The newly discovered coral measures 112 by 105 feet. It's larger than the average blue whale, the largest animal on Earth and is visible from space.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">It is mostly brown with some patches of yellows, reds, pinks, and blues.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Although this individual might look like a gargantuan boulder, <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/corals-1">corals</a> are animals related to <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/jellyfish">jellyfish</a> and sea <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/sea-anemones">anemones</a>. Tiny individual organisms called coral polyps come together in their <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-do-corals-form-colonies/">thousands</a> to form a colony, and many different colonies make up a reef.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The Solomon Islands are part of a region called the <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/saving_the_coral_triangle">Coral Triangle</a> because of its astounding diversity of coral.</p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq ">Hiding in plain sight </h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The researchers believe there could be nearly one billion polyps in this mammoth colony, which is surrounded by sand. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“It's amazing that they've just found this and nobody really noticed before,” says <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pml.ac.uk/profile/professor-helen-findlay/">Helen Findlay</a>, a biological oceanographer at <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pml.ac.uk/">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> in the U.K., who wasn’t involved in the expedition.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"></div></div></div></div><div class="VZTD 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srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=718&h=538, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=1436&h=1076 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=718&h=538, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=1436&h=1076 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=1280&h=959, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg?w=2560&h=1918 2x"/><img alt="Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/825624cb-672d-41fb-b346-463c547a03f0/11---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_SMS_DJIM_001_DJI_20241024154819_0016_D.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">From above, the newly discovered colony looked like a giant boulder, or even a shipwreck. The colony is visible just behind the boat. It wasn't until underwater photographer Manu San Félix dove beneath the surface that he realized it was a coral so immense it was difficult to measure.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Steve Spence, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Without scuba or snorkeling equipment to reach the 42-foot-deep coral, the local community may have assumed it was just a large rock. “There's this Western belief that we have seen all of <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="">our [coastal] waters</a>,” says Timmers, “but many, many people don't have the masks and snorkels to actually put their heads in the water to see it.”</p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq "><b class="cXscX ">Three centuries old</b></h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Researchers usually use a coral’s height to estimate its age. This 16-foot-high colony is around 300 years old—but it could be even older.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">These corals are usually dome-shaped, like a scoop of ice cream, Timmers explains. “This one is kind of flattened and just goes on,” as if melting, she says.</p></div></div></div><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:12;--grid-column-span-xs:12;--grid-column-span-sm:12;--grid-column-span-md:24;--grid-column-span-lg:24;--grid-column-span-xl:24;--grid-column-span-xxl:24;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:auto;--grid-column-start-lg:auto;--grid-column-start-xl:auto;--grid-column-start-xxl:auto"><div class="bigVG QrHMO fnRUo pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW RMeqy daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc MENS nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY rPLsU iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM IEgzD OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD VWDdR ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV GPGwb oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX OLpez "><div><div class="InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW " data-testid="prism-inline-image"><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="lZur " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=374&h=210, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=748&h=420 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=413&h=232, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=826&h=464 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=718&h=404, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1436&h=808 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=718&h=404, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1436&h=808 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1280&h=720, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=2560&h=1440 2x"/><img alt="A diver from National Geographic Pristine Seas measures the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">A diver from the expedition team uses a tape measure to document the coral's size. Known scientifically as <i>Pavona clavus</i>, this coral species is nicknamed shoulder coral because it grows knobs reminiscent of shoulder bones.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">This coral colony is so old it’s lived through major historical events. It would have seen the first Christian missionaries that began visiting the Solomons during the 19<sup class=" ">th</sup> century. It was alive during when the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Second World War, and the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“It gives you that wow factor—life really created this and has sustained this massive colony,” says Timmers. “It's like our ancestors are still there in the water.”</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq ">Corals under stress</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">During its 300-year life, this immense organism has witnessed striking changes to the ocean, such as global <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/before-and-after-bleaching-lord-howe-coral-reef">warming</a>, <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing">overfishing</a>, <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-marine-pollution">pollution</a>, urban and <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/dead-zones">agricultural</a> development, and <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-ocean-acidification">ocean acidification</a>. 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Solomon Islands." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ec4b78e3-3b6f-4c19-9464-4200b7bb80d2/39---NGSPS2024SOL_1104_ReefIslands_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Molly_EDNA.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 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"><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Lead scientist Molly Timmers collects water for eDNA sampling aboard the research vessel. The new discovery has what Timmers calls a "wow factor." Collecting environmental DNA can tell researchers more about the conditions the coral lives in.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">As more carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the ocean, it changes the pH balance of the water, which can stress the corals. “Our climate crisis is making the ocean warmer and more acidic, and that’s eating corals worldwide, including the mega coral,” says Sala.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Corals use calcium carbonate from the water to create their <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/how-do-corals-build-their-skeletons/#:~:text=Coral%20polyps%E2%80%94the%20tiny%20living,CO32%2D)%20ions.">skeleton</a> so, as the waters become more acidic, it is more difficult for these organisms to grow strong and healthy.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“Just like in people: if you don't have enough calcium or carbonates, you end up with osteoporosis, so your bones start to degrade, and they can get fragile,” says Findlay. “The same can be true for corals if they don't have the right conditions.”</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq ">Hope for reefs</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">With <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="">corals around the world being affected by </a><a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/great-barrier-reef-climate-change-coral-bleaching">bleaching</a>—<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/global-coral-bleaching-event-expands-now-largest-record-2024-10-17/">77 percent</a> of coral reef areas were subjected to high enough temperatures to cause bleaching between 2023 and 2024— finding such an enormous individual colony still in good health offers hope that corals can be resilient enough to survive the climate crisis. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“You have this life pillar that’s still there,” says Timmers. “It gives you this awe, this hope. Just seeing how big it is—the mega coral—and its survival in an area that wasn’t as healthy.” </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Timmers believes the coral’s location—in deeper, cooler waters and protected by a slope and shelf—may be key to its good health. It “is really in an ideal spot,” she says.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="Kiog gTIDq DtvAy ZcEtc IRwwZ "><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:56.25%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=374&h=210, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=748&h=420 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=413&h=232, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=826&h=464 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=767&h=431, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=1534&h=862 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=1024&h=576, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=2048&h=1152 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=1260&h=709, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=2520&h=1418 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=1440&h=810, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg?w=2880&h=1620 2x"/><img alt="An underwater view of coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps." class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/fac214aa-8c9f-4ab9-b7a9-a8fbe60ea8f9/34---NGSPS2024SOL_UNDERWATER-STRINGOUT.jpg"/></picture></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="nhMGc uZRln CebRs "><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur tSkSq " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">Tiny coral polyps form on coral colonies. Their numbers reach the thousands, but the Pristine Seas expedition team thinks there are about one billion polyps in this colony.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:56.25%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=767&h=511, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1534&h=1022 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1024&h=683, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=2048&h=1366 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1260&h=840, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=2520&h=1680 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1440&h=960, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=2880&h=1920 2x"/><img alt="An underwater view of the world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps — tiny individual creatures — that have grown over a span of three centuries." class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/b1888e86-3e21-42d5-a67a-d4d9f6441b34/02---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2445Nat_Geographic.jpg"/></picture></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="nhMGc uZRln ppewn "><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur tSkSq " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ "><i>Pavona clavus</i> coral colonies are usually dome-shaped, similar to a scoop of ice cream. But this colony is flat and stretched over a long distance. By measuring its height, 16 feet, scientists think the coral is about 300 years old. </span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" 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https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg?w=718&h=479, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg?w=1280&h=853, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg?w=2560&h=1706 2x"/><img alt="An underwater view of coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/784f8796-7fc7-44d0-a8de-1ae3b5c50e11/21---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2686.jpg"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">The Solomon Islands sit in a region of the Pacific Ocean known as Coral Triangle for its astounding diversity of coral. Many of the world's corals now face threats from oceans becoming warmer and more acidic, but this coral sits in a deep, cool pocket of water that may be protecting it from these changes.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy "> The community is hoping the discovery could help their efforts to bring official protections to their waters. In the Solomon Islands, waters are customary, “meaning they're owned by the local community,” says Timmers. They have unofficially protected these waters for around 14 years, and have protection at the provincial level, but want national support, she explains. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">For Sala, the discovery of this mega coral reinforces the sense of urgency to protect and restore the world’s wild places.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Global warming of more than 1.5 °C could be <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07672-x">catastrophic</a> for coral reefs. Phasing out fossil fuels and protecting <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://theoceanproject.org/30x30">30 percent</a> of the ocean is vital, he says. Currently, just <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?12606966/COP16-delivers-mixed-results-for-the-ocean">8.4 percent</a> of the ocean is protected by government regulations. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">In the wake of environmental destruction across the planet, seeing something so remarkable made Timmers feel like the coral is crying out: “We're still here. Don't forget about us.”</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC eTIW sUzSN "></p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_end "><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div 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But when cinematographer Manu San Félix dove down to take a closer look, he was amazed to find a huge, sprawling coral."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html1","cntnt":{"mrkup":"That was the moment the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas team says they discovered the world’s largest coral colony during an October 2024 <a href=\"https://news.nationalgeographic.org/in-the-solomon-islands-scientists-filmmakers-and-leaders-explore-the-ocean-in-hopes-of-protecting-it/\">expedition</a> in <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/solomon-islands\">Solomon Islands</a>, an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html2","cntnt":{"mrkup":"At 112 by 105 feet, this mega coral is longer than a <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/blue-whale\">blue whale</a><u>, Earth’s largest animal</u>. It is so enormous that it can be seen from space—yet it was long hidden from view."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"65cec2c3-1d63-4a0d-90f3-680ef63a6692","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html3","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The researchers almost missed it too. Its discovery “was really serendipitous,” says Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist. “It was found the night before we were moving to another section.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html4","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The expedition team say this is the largest coral colony ever recorded. It is made up of nearly a billion genetically identical coral polyps that work together in the colony as if they are one organism."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html5","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Although the newly discovered coral is in excellent health, researchers worry about the many threats facing all corals, including global warming and overfishing. They hope this discovery will inspire more protections for marine habitats in the Solomon Islands."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html6","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Billions of coral polyps</b><b> </b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html7","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“Finding this mega coral is like discovering the tallest tree on earth,” says Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, via email. “This discovery rekindles our sense of awe and wonder about the ocean.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html8","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The organism is a type of hard coral called <a href=\"https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/133240/165789360\"><i>Pavona clavus</i></a><i>, </i>or <a href=\"https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/108973-Pavona-clavus\">shoulder blade coral</a><u> because it has columns that</u> “kind of looks like shoulders,” says Timmers."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"3750e855-ced4-42d7-8f23-2bcc6e478259","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"7c89d02a-4c55-4955-bd9e-786feeadea34","cntnt":{"cmsType":"imagegroup","hasCopyright":true,"id":"7c89d02a-4c55-4955-bd9e-786feeadea34","align":"browserWidth","images":[{"aspectRatio":1.5003663003663004,"alt":"Ronnie Posala preparing for a dive on the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in the Solomon Islands.","caption":"Ronnie Posala, a fisheries officer with the Solomon Islands' government, prepares for a dive. The newly discovered coral sits 42 feet beneath the ocean's surface and was discovered by chance, just before the research team prepared to survey a different location.","credit":"Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas","image":{"crps":[{"nm":"raw","aspRto":1.5003663003663004,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg"},{"nm":"16x9","aspRto":1.7777777777777777,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_16x9.jpg"},{"nm":"3x2","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_3x2.jpg"},{"nm":"square","aspRto":1,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_square.jpg"},{"nm":"2x3","aspRto":0.6666666666666666,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_2x3.jpg"},{"nm":"3x4","aspRto":0.75,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_3x4.jpg"},{"nm":"4x3","aspRto":1.3333333333333333,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_4x3.jpg"},{"nm":"2x1","aspRto":2,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01_2x1.jpg"}],"rt":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg","altText":"Ronnie Posala preparing for a dive on the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in the Solomon Islands.","crdt":"Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas","dsc":"Ronnie Posala prepares for a dive on the Pristine Seas expedition in the Solomon Islands. The newly discovered coral was hidden 42 feet beneath the ocean's surface.","rchDsc":{"markup":"Ronnie Posala prepares for a dive on the Pristine Seas expedition in the Solomon Islands. The newly discovered coral was hidden 42 feet beneath the ocean's surface."},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/e0b4dbc1-236a-447b-81be-485883415c44/55---NGSPS2024SOL_1020_Marau_cr-Caitlin-Bailey_C5D_Ronnie_01.jpg"},{"aspectRatio":1.5036710719530102,"alt":"A group of scientists underwater studying world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands.","caption":"The newly discovered coral measures 112 by 105 feet. It's larger than the average blue whale, the largest animal on Earth and is visible from space.","credit":"Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","image":{"crps":[{"nm":"raw","aspRto":1.5036710719530102,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg"},{"nm":"16x9","aspRto":1.7777777777777777,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_16x9.jpg"},{"nm":"3x2","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_3x2.jpg"},{"nm":"square","aspRto":1,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_square.jpg"},{"nm":"2x3","aspRto":0.6666666666666666,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_2x3.jpg"},{"nm":"3x4","aspRto":0.75,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_3x4.jpg"},{"nm":"4x3","aspRto":1.3333333333333333,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_4x3.jpg"},{"nm":"2x1","aspRto":2,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR_2x1.jpg"}],"rt":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg","altText":"A group of scientists underwater studying world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands.","crdt":"Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","dsc":"A group of scientists working aboard a research vessel in the southwest Pacific Ocean has discovered the world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps — tiny individual creatures — that have grown over a span of three centuries.","rchDsc":{"markup":"A group of scientists working aboard a research vessel in the southwest Pacific Ocean has discovered the world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps — tiny individual creatures — that have grown over a span of three centuries."},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/18d4f978-ce63-4245-8342-7b5ae398036e/24102024-02055_MANU_San_Fe%CC%81lixNGPS24SOL_20241025_ThreeSisters2_ISF_CR3_001_MSF_2727-Mejorado-NR.jpg"}],"size":"large"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html9","cntnt":{"mrkup":"It is mostly brown with some patches of yellows, reds, pinks, and blues."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html10","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Although this individual might look like a gargantuan boulder, <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/corals-1\">corals</a> are animals related to <a href=\"https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/jellyfish\">jellyfish</a> and sea <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/sea-anemones\">anemones</a>. Tiny individual organisms called coral polyps come together in their <a href=\"https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-do-corals-form-colonies/\">thousands</a> to form a colony, and many different colonies make up a reef."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html11","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The Solomon Islands are part of a region called the <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/saving_the_coral_triangle\">Coral Triangle</a> because of its astounding diversity of coral."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html12","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Hiding in plain sight</b> "},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html13","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The researchers believe there could be nearly one billion polyps in this mammoth colony, which is surrounded by sand. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html14","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“It's amazing that they've just found this and nobody really noticed before,” says <a href=\"https://pml.ac.uk/profile/professor-helen-findlay/\">Helen Findlay</a>, a biological oceanographer at <a href=\"https://pml.ac.uk/\">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> in the U.K., who wasn’t involved in the expedition."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"a91e0b3e-9ad4-462b-83ce-0a3a4b36af09","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html15","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Without scuba or snorkeling equipment to reach the 42-foot-deep coral, the local community may have assumed it was just a large rock. “There's this Western belief that we have seen all of <a href=\"\">our [coastal] waters</a>,” says Timmers, “but many, many people don't have the masks and snorkels to actually put their heads in the water to see it.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html16","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Three centuries old</b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html17","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Researchers usually use a coral’s height to estimate its age. This 16-foot-high colony is around 300 years old—but it could be even older."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html18","cntnt":{"mrkup":"These corals are usually dome-shaped, like a scoop of ice cream, Timmers explains. “This one is kind of flattened and just goes on,” as if melting, she says."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"b1e98a4f-a6af-42a5-aeb6-53b78e894525","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html19","cntnt":{"mrkup":"This coral colony is so old it’s lived through major historical events. It would have seen the first Christian missionaries that began visiting the Solomons during the 19<sup>th</sup> century. It was alive during when the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Second World War, and the COVID-19 pandemic."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html20","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“It gives you that wow factor—life really created this and has sustained this massive colony,” says Timmers. “It's like our ancestors are still there in the water.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html21","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Corals under stress</b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html22","cntnt":{"mrkup":"During its 300-year life, this immense organism has witnessed striking changes to the ocean, such as global <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/before-and-after-bleaching-lord-howe-coral-reef\">warming</a>, <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing\">overfishing</a>, <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-marine-pollution\">pollution</a>, urban and <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/dead-zones\">agricultural</a> development, and <a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-ocean-acidification\">ocean acidification</a>. When they visited a nearby reef, the expedition team saw that many corals had already died, but it’s not clear how resilient this newly discovered colony could be in the face of these global <a href=\"\">threats</a>."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html23","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Corals are very sensitive to changes in their environment. “These things are like the polar bear for the tropics,” says Findlay. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"da37a9cd-a769-47b8-831a-edae21f9ae09","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html24","cntnt":{"mrkup":"As more carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the ocean, it changes the pH balance of the water, which can stress the corals. “Our climate crisis is making the ocean warmer and more acidic, and that’s eating corals worldwide, including the mega coral,” says Sala."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html25","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Corals use calcium carbonate from the water to create their <a href=\"https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/how-do-corals-build-their-skeletons/#:~:text=Coral polyps—the tiny living,CO32-) ions.\">skeleton</a> so, as the waters become more acidic, it is more difficult for these organisms to grow strong and healthy."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html26","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“Just like in people: if you don't have enough calcium or carbonates, you end up with osteoporosis, so your bones start to degrade, and they can get fragile,” says Findlay. “The same can be true for corals if they don't have the right conditions.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html27","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Hope for reefs</b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html28","cntnt":{"mrkup":"With <a href=\"\">corals around the world being affected by </a><a href=\"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/great-barrier-reef-climate-change-coral-bleaching\">bleaching</a>—<a href=\"https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/global-coral-bleaching-event-expands-now-largest-record-2024-10-17/\">77 percent</a> of coral reef areas were subjected to high enough temperatures to cause bleaching between 2023 and 2024— finding such an enormous individual colony still in good health offers hope that corals can be resilient enough to survive the climate crisis. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html29","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“You have this life pillar that’s still there,” says Timmers. “It gives you this awe, this hope. Just seeing how big it is—the mega coral—and its survival in an area that wasn’t as healthy.” "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html30","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Timmers believes the coral’s location—in deeper, cooler waters and protected by a slope and shelf—may be key to its good health. It “is really in an ideal spot,” she says."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"2edab4f0-807a-4503-afb2-4d1f3c473d97","cntnt":{"cmsType":"imagegroup","hasCopyright":true,"id":"2edab4f0-807a-4503-afb2-4d1f3c473d97","align":"browserWidth","groupCredit":"Photographs by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","images":[{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"alt":"An underwater view of coral in the Solomon Islands, thirty-four meters wide and thirty-two meters long, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps.","caption":"Tiny coral polyps form on coral colonies. 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In the Solomon Islands, waters are customary, “meaning they're owned by the local community,” says Timmers. They have unofficially protected these waters for around 14 years, and have protection at the provincial level, but want national support, she explains. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html32","cntnt":{"mrkup":"For Sala, the discovery of this mega coral reinforces the sense of urgency to protect and restore the world’s wild places."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html33","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Global warming of more than 1.5 °C could be <a href=\"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07672-x\">catastrophic</a> for coral reefs. Phasing out fossil fuels and protecting <a href=\"https://theoceanproject.org/30x30\">30 percent</a> of the ocean is vital, he says. Currently, just <a href=\"https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?12606966/COP16-delivers-mixed-results-for-the-ocean\">8.4 percent</a> of the ocean is protected by government regulations. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html34","cntnt":{"mrkup":"In the wake of environmental destruction across the planet, seeing something so remarkable made Timmers feel like the coral is crying out: “We're still here. 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from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","crdt":"Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","dsc":"Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","rchDsc":{"markup":"Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands."},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"imageAlt":"Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","imageSrc":[{"sources":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"media":"(max-width: 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YYYY"},"shareProps":{"title":"Scientists discover world’s largest coral—so big it can be seen from space","url":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/world-largest-coral-colony-discovery","pageType":"Story","source":"NatGeo","shareButton":"inline","size":"l","networks":["facebook","twitter","email","link"],"description":"Exclusive photos reveal a sprawling, 300-year-old coral near Solomon Islands, recently discovered by the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas expedition team."}},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"Divider","props":{"className":"natgeoDivider"},"config":{},"usesArticleObject":true},{"name":"Body","props":{"body":[[{"type":"p","content":["From the surface, it looked like a shipwreck, long forgotten on the seabed. But when cinematographer Manu San Félix dove down to take a closer look, he was amazed to find a huge, sprawling coral."]},{"type":"p","content":["That was the moment the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas team says they discovered the world’s largest coral colony during an October 2024 ",{"type":"a","content":["expedition"],"attrs":{"href":"https://news.nationalgeographic.org/in-the-solomon-islands-scientists-filmmakers-and-leaders-explore-the-ocean-in-hopes-of-protecting-it/"}}," in ",{"type":"a","content":["Solomon Islands"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/solomon-islands"}},", an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean."]},{"type":"p","content":["At 112 by 105 feet, this mega coral is longer than a ",{"type":"a","content":["blue whale"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/blue-whale"}},{"type":"u","content":[", Earth’s largest animal"]},". It is so enormous that it can be seen from space—yet it was long hidden from view."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"Solomon Islands is nation made of six major islands and over 900 small islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The Duff Islands seen here sit to the east and are approximately 300 nautical miles from the newly discovered 'mega coral'.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapperProps":{"columnConfig":{"span":{"base":100,"md":20,"lg":16,"xxl":14},"start":{"md":3,"lg":5,"xxl":6}},"className":{"esc":"kGyAC","QWb":"HkWF"}}},"image":{"id":null,"showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. 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Its discovery “was really serendipitous,” says Molly Timmers, the expedition’s lead scientist. “It was found the night before we were moving to another section.”"]},{"type":"p","content":["The expedition team say this is the largest coral colony ever recorded. It is made up of nearly a billion genetically identical coral polyps that work together in the colony as if they are one organism."]},{"type":"p","content":["Although the newly discovered coral is in excellent health, researchers worry about the many threats facing all corals, including global warming and overfishing. They hope this discovery will inspire more protections for marine habitats in the Solomon Islands."]},{"type":"h2","content":["Billions of coral polyps",{"type":"b","content":[" "]}]},{"type":"p","content":["“Finding this mega coral is like discovering the tallest tree on earth,” says Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, via email. “This discovery rekindles our sense of awe and wonder about the ocean.”"]},{"type":"p","content":["The organism is a type of hard coral called ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Pavona clavus"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/133240/165789360"}},{"type":"i","content":[", "]},"or ",{"type":"a","content":["shoulder blade coral"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/108973-Pavona-clavus"}},{"type":"u","content":[" because it has columns that"]}," “kind of looks like shoulders,” says Timmers."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"Team members deploy a deep-sea camera from the Argo research vessel. 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It's larger than the average blue whale, the largest animal on Earth and is visible from space.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapper":"div","wrapperProps":{"className":"nhMGc uZRln ppewn "}}}],"ratio":{"height":1365,"width":2048},"disableFullscreen":false},"context":{},"config":{"align":"full","alignXxs":"full","gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["It is mostly brown with some patches of yellows, reds, pinks, and blues."]},{"type":"p","content":["Although this individual might look like a gargantuan boulder, ",{"type":"a","content":["corals"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/corals-1"}}," are animals related to ",{"type":"a","content":["jellyfish"],"attrs":{"href":"https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/jellyfish"}}," and sea ",{"type":"a","content":["anemones"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/sea-anemones"}},". Tiny individual organisms called coral polyps come together in their ",{"type":"a","content":["thousands"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-do-corals-form-colonies/"}}," to form a colony, and many different colonies make up a reef."]},{"type":"p","content":["The Solomon Islands are part of a region called the ",{"type":"a","content":["Coral Triangle"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/saving_the_coral_triangle"}}," because of its astounding diversity of coral."]},{"type":"h2","content":["Hiding in plain sight"," "]},{"type":"p","content":["The researchers believe there could be nearly one billion polyps in this mammoth colony, which is surrounded by sand."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["“It's amazing that they've just found this and nobody really noticed before,” says ",{"type":"a","content":["Helen Findlay"],"attrs":{"href":"https://pml.ac.uk/profile/professor-helen-findlay/"}},", a biological oceanographer at ",{"type":"a","content":["Plymouth Marine Laboratory"],"attrs":{"href":"https://pml.ac.uk/"}}," in the U.K., who wasn’t involved in the expedition."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Steve Spence, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"From above, the newly discovered colony looked like a giant boulder, or even a shipwreck. 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This 16-foot-high colony is around 300 years old—but it could be even older."]},{"type":"p","content":["These corals are usually dome-shaped, like a scoop of ice cream, Timmers explains. “This one is kind of flattened and just goes on,” as if melting, she says."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"A diver from the expedition team uses a tape measure to document the coral's size. Known scientifically as <i>Pavona clavus</i>, this coral species is nicknamed shoulder coral because it grows knobs reminiscent of shoulder bones.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapperProps":{"columnConfig":{"span":{"base":100,"md":20,"lg":16,"xxl":14},"start":{"md":3,"lg":5,"xxl":6}},"className":{"esc":"kGyAC","QWb":"HkWF"}}},"image":{"id":null,"showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.","alt":"A diver from National Geographic Pristine Seas measures the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=374&h=210","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=748&h=420"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=413&h=232","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=826&h=464"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=718&h=404","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1436&h=808"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=718&h=404","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1436&h=808"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=1280&h=720","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/8f7aa7a3-5fc5-4234-8e82-7e8badfb36be/30---NGSPS2024SOL_NGPS2024SOL_1025_ThreeSisters2_MSF_REDR_001.jpg?w=2560&h=1440"},"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1280}]},"disableFullscreen":false},"context":{},"config":{"align":"full","alignXxs":"full","gridDisplayMode":"full"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["This coral colony is so old it’s lived through major historical events. It would have seen the first Christian missionaries that began visiting the Solomons during the 19",{"type":"sup","content":["th"]}," century. It was alive during when the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Second World War, and the COVID-19 pandemic."]},{"type":"p","content":["“It gives you that wow factor—life really created this and has sustained this massive colony,” says Timmers. “It's like our ancestors are still there in the water.”"]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["Corals under stress"]},{"type":"p","content":["During its 300-year life, this immense organism has witnessed striking changes to the ocean, such as global ",{"type":"a","content":["warming"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/before-and-after-bleaching-lord-howe-coral-reef"}},", ",{"type":"a","content":["overfishing"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing"}},", ",{"type":"a","content":["pollution"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-marine-pollution"}},", urban and ",{"type":"a","content":["agricultural"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/dead-zones"}}," development, and ",{"type":"a","content":["ocean acidification"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-ocean-acidification"}},". When they visited a nearby reef, the expedition team saw that many corals had already died, but it’s not clear how resilient this newly discovered colony could be in the face of these global ",{"type":"a","content":["threats"],"attrs":{"href":""}},"."]},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"ContentPromo","props":{"cards":[{"headline":"These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/9ee3b2a1-df1c-4aca-931d-b4f31f28f2a3/STOCKPKG_MF4116_1606289_square.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/coral-reefs-ocean-kaleidoscope","imageRatio":"1x1","tags":[{"value":"PHOTOGRAPHY","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/9ee3b2a1-df1c-4aca-931d-b4f31f28f2a3/STOCKPKG_MF4116_1606289_square.jpg?w=195&h=195","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/9ee3b2a1-df1c-4aca-931d-b4f31f28f2a3/STOCKPKG_MF4116_1606289_square.jpg?w=390&h=390"},"max":767,"nativeWidth":195},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/9ee3b2a1-df1c-4aca-931d-b4f31f28f2a3/STOCKPKG_MF4116_1606289_square.jpg?w=220&h=220","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/9ee3b2a1-df1c-4aca-931d-b4f31f28f2a3/STOCKPKG_MF4116_1606289_square.jpg?w=440&h=440"},"min":768,"nativeWidth":220}],"type":"floating","inline":true},{"headline":"These photos show what happens to coral reefs in a warming world","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3208f92c-e98e-475c-bedf-7932700f7e26/090---POTY---Justin-Gilligan---EC98578S-23_square.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/before-and-after-bleaching-lord-howe-coral-reef","imageRatio":"1x1","tags":[{"value":"ENVIRONMENT","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3208f92c-e98e-475c-bedf-7932700f7e26/090---POTY---Justin-Gilligan---EC98578S-23_square.jpg?w=195&h=195","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3208f92c-e98e-475c-bedf-7932700f7e26/090---POTY---Justin-Gilligan---EC98578S-23_square.jpg?w=390&h=390"},"max":767,"nativeWidth":195},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3208f92c-e98e-475c-bedf-7932700f7e26/090---POTY---Justin-Gilligan---EC98578S-23_square.jpg?w=220&h=220","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3208f92c-e98e-475c-bedf-7932700f7e26/090---POTY---Justin-Gilligan---EC98578S-23_square.jpg?w=440&h=440"},"min":768,"nativeWidth":220}],"type":"floating","inline":true},{"headline":"The race to create climate-resilient coral—before it's too late","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1591a760-f2e4-412e-968c-be6912cfd2c1/GDO_1514__square.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/coral-reef-lab-innovation-climate-change","imageRatio":"1x1","tags":[{"value":"ENVIRONMENT","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1591a760-f2e4-412e-968c-be6912cfd2c1/GDO_1514__square.jpg?w=195&h=195","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1591a760-f2e4-412e-968c-be6912cfd2c1/GDO_1514__square.jpg?w=390&h=390"},"max":767,"nativeWidth":195},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1591a760-f2e4-412e-968c-be6912cfd2c1/GDO_1514__square.jpg?w=220&h=220","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1591a760-f2e4-412e-968c-be6912cfd2c1/GDO_1514__square.jpg?w=440&h=440"},"min":768,"nativeWidth":220}],"type":"floating","inline":true}],"title":"You May Also Like","dividerEnabled":true},"context":{},"config":{"align":"center"}}},{"type":"p","content":["Corals are very sensitive to changes in their environment. “These things are like the polar bear for the tropics,” says Findlay."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Caitlin Bailey, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"Lead scientist Molly Timmers collects water for eDNA sampling aboard the research vessel. The new discovery has what Timmers calls a \"wow factor.\" Collecting environmental DNA can tell researchers more about the conditions the coral lives in.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapperProps":{"columnConfig":{"span":{"base":100,"md":20,"lg":16,"xxl":14},"start":{"md":3,"lg":5,"xxl":6}},"className":{"esc":"kGyAC","QWb":"HkWF"}}},"image":{"id":null,"showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. 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Just seeing how big it is—the mega coral—and its survival in an area that wasn’t as healthy.”"," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Timmers believes the coral’s location—in deeper, cooler waters and protected by a slope and shelf—may be key to its good health. 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In the Solomon Islands, waters are customary, “meaning they're owned by the local community,” says Timmers. They have unofficially protected these waters for around 14 years, and have protection at the provincial level, but want national support, she explains."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["For Sala, the discovery of this mega coral reinforces the sense of urgency to protect and restore the world’s wild places."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["Global warming of more than 1.5 °C could be ",{"type":"a","content":["catastrophic"],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07672-x"}}," for coral reefs. Phasing out fossil fuels and protecting ",{"type":"a","content":["30 percent"],"attrs":{"href":"https://theoceanproject.org/30x30"}}," of the ocean is vital, he says. Currently, just ",{"type":"a","content":["8.4 percent"],"attrs":{"href":"https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?12606966/COP16-delivers-mixed-results-for-the-ocean"}}," of the ocean is protected by government regulations."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["In the wake of environmental destruction across the planet, seeing something so remarkable made Timmers feel like the coral is crying out: “We're still here. 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Many of the world's corals now face threats from oceans becoming warmer and more acidic, but this coral sits in a deep, cool pocket of water that may be protecting it from these changes.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false}}}],"Blockquote":{"disableQuotationMark":true,"simple":true},"datelineSeparator":"—","stripBr":false,"className":"PrismArticleBody SingleColumn","hideReadTime":true},"dataConstructorMap":{},"topComponents":[{"name":"PrismArticleLead","data":{"caption":{"credit":"Photograph by Manu San Félix, National Geographic Pristine Seas","source":"","text":"Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More"},"image":{"alt":"Divers from National Geographic Pristine Seas measure the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands.","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=1280&h=853","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/55270e62-6b9a-4a69-bc93-b6786e20d57c/19---NGSPS2024SOL_MSF_2641Nat_Geographic.jpg?w=2560&h=1706"},"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1280}],"fetchPriority":"high","loading":"eager"},"ratio":"2048x1365","type":"xl","priority":"xl","colorMode":"light","title":"Scientists discover world’s largest coral—so big it can be seen from space","description":"Exclusive photos reveal a sprawling, 300-year-old coral near Solomon Islands, recently discovered by the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas expedition team.","tags":[{"label":"ENVIRONMENT","href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment"}],"badge":null,"isUserAuthed":false}}]},"contentPackage":"freemium","dt":"2024-11-14T00:00:00.000Z","story_id":"drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:c5e671e5-509d-4a6b-958d-8c4ae73c05c9"}},"request":{"headers":{},"httpVersion":"1.1","method":"GET","url":"/environment/article/world-largest-coral-colony-discovery?userab=ng_pw_copy-287%2Avariant_a-1126","vary":{"cached":true,"device":"pc","host":"www.nationalgeographic.com","path":"/environment/article/world-largest-coral-colony-discovery","forwarded-proto":"https","country":"hk","edition":"natgeo-en-us","edition-view":"natgeo-en-us","loggedin":"false","userab":"ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126"}},"viewport":{"width":1260,"height":0},"user":{}};</script><script src="//assets-cdn.nationalgeographic.com/natgeo/f76c83dbe629-release-11-19-2024.2/client/natgeo/_manifest.js" defer></script><script src="//assets-cdn.nationalgeographic.com/natgeo/f76c83dbe629-release-11-19-2024.2/client/natgeo/natgeo-b6cb5abe.js" defer></script><script src="//assets-cdn.nationalgeographic.com/natgeo/f76c83dbe629-release-11-19-2024.2/client/natgeo/prismarticle-24106b20.js" defer></script> </body> </html>