World’s largest coral found in the Pacific

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🗞️ Driving the news: Scientists aboard a National Geographic research vessel have discovered the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands, measuring an astounding 34 meters wide
• This "mega coral," believed to be over 300 years old, was found in deeper waters, which likely protected it from warming sea temperatures

🔭 The context: Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of one billion people globally through industries like fishing and tourism
• Unlike typical reefs, this coral exists as a single large organism, providing shelter for various marine species in an ecosystem at risk from climate change

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As coral faces extinction threats from ocean warming, this resilient specimen serves as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts, especially for small island nations like the Solomon Islands that rely heavily on marine resources

⏭️ What's next: Scientists hope to study this coral's historical growth to understand how it adapted over centuries, which could provide insights for conserving vulnerable coral species worldwide

💬 One quote: "Witnessing this large healthy coral oasis in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope," -  coral scientist Eric Brown

📈 One stat: 44% of corals in warm waters are now threatened with extinction, a one-third increase since 2008, per the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

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