The Pavona clauvus coral was recently discovered in the region of the western Pacific known as the “coral triangle” by scientists from the National Geographic Pristine Seas team during their expedition to the Solomon Islands.  

It is a type of hard coral, also known as shoulder blade coral, due to its columns resembling shoulders. The gigantic, multi-coloured organism consists of an intricate network of individual coral polyps that have been growing for around 300 to 500 years and spans a circumference of 183 metres.  

Scientists suggest that without scuba or snorkelling gear to access the 42-foot-deep coral, the local community may have mistaken it for just a large rock. From above, the coral colony appears as a giant boulder or even a shipwreck. It wasn't until Pristine Seas’ underwater cinematographer dove beneath the surface that he realised it was a colony so immense, it was nearly impossible to measure. 

Corals are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. They use calcium carbonate from the water to build their skeleton; but as oceans become warmer and more acidic due to the climate crisis, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to grow strong and healthy. Just as humans weaken when our bones don’t have enough calcium and become fragile, corals experience the same when they don't have the right conditions to grow.  

Considering environmental destruction happening globally, the discovery of such a large coral is remarkable. Upon visiting a nearby reef, the expedition team observed that many corals had already died, but it’s not clear how resilient this newly discovered 300-year-old colony could be in the face of continued global threats and changes to the ocean.  

Scientists believe that the coral’s location in deeper, cooler waters, protected by slopes and shelves, may be key to its good health and survival. The local community hopes that the discovery of this coral will reinforce the urgency to protect and restore their waters.  

“For the people of the Solomon Islands, this mega coral discovery is monumental. It reinforces the importance of our ocean, which sustains our communities, traditions and future. Such discoveries remind us of our duty to safeguard these natural wonders, not only for their ecological value but for the livelihoods and cultural identity they provide,” Ronnie Posala, fisheries officer for the Solomon Islands fisheries ministry said in a press release.