World’s largest coral found in Pacific Ocean | BBC News

Summary

Scientists have discovered the largest single piece of coral in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, measuring 34 meters in length and estimated to be over 500 years old. Found off the Solomon Islands during a National Geographic expedition, this colossal coral has survived through centuries of climate changes. The discovery is particularly significant as it coincides with the UN climate talks in Baku, where small island nations are urging the world to protect coral reefs from the effects of climate change. This 'Beacon of Hope' offers valuable lessons in resilience as nearby reefs continue to suffer from warming oceans.

Takeaways

• 😀 A massive, single piece of coral, the largest known, was discovered in the Southwest Pacific Ocean during a National Geographic expedition.
• 😀 The discovery was made while scientists explored remote ocean areas and studied the impact of climate change on coral reefs.
• 😀 This newly discovered coral is around 34 meters long, which is larger than a blue whale, and has likely been growing for approximately 500 years.
• 😀 The coral was found accidentally while diving in the Solomon Islands by Manu S. Felix and his son Ingo. Its location was previously marked as a shipwreck on maps.
• 😀 The discovery of this giant coral comes at a significant time, coinciding with the UN climate talks in Baku, highlighting the urgent need to protect coral reefs.
• 😀 Scientists consider this ancient coral a 'Beacon of Hope,' as it has survived in waters threatened by climate change and ocean warming.
• 😀 Coral reefs are vital to the economy and survival of many small island nations, which rely on marine life and fishing for their livelihoods.
• 😀 Shallow water coral reefs are dying due to the effects of climate change, making the survival of this giant coral even more remarkable.
• 😀 The discovery has generated widespread excitement and admiration among researchers, with divers expressing awe at the coral's size and longevity.
• 😀 The ongoing UN climate talks focus on the protection of coral reefs, with small island nations urging global action to address the risks posed by climate change.

Q & A

What is the significance of the coral discovered by scientists in the Southwest Pacific?

The coral is the largest single known piece of coral, measuring 34 meters long and possibly over 500 years old. Its discovery highlights the resilience of some coral reefs amidst the ongoing threats from climate change.

How old is the coral that was discovered, and what historical context does this imply?

The coral is estimated to be about 500 years old, meaning it has been growing uninterrupted since the time of Henry VII, which provides an important historical perspective on its longevity.

Where was the coral discovered, and what was its location previously marked as?

The coral was found in the Solomon Islands, specifically in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. Its location was previously marked as a shipwreck on maps before being identified as a giant coral.

Who discovered the coral, and how was it found?

Manu S. Felix, a diver, discovered the coral while diving with his son, Ingo. The discovery was accidental, as they were initially unaware of the coral's significance.

What role do coral reefs play for island nations, and why are they so important?

Coral reefs are vital to island nations because they support marine ecosystems, provide resources for fishing, and are integral to the economy, survival, and cultural pride of these communities.

Why do scientists refer to this discovery as a 'Beacon of Hope'?

Scientists refer to the discovery as a 'Beacon of Hope' because the coral has survived in an environment affected by climate change, offering a potential model for understanding how some reefs might endure despite warming oceans.

What is the current state of coral reefs in nearby shallower waters?

Coral reefs in nearby shallower waters are dying due to the impacts of climate change, particularly ocean warming, which has led to significant coral bleaching and degradation.

How does the discovery of this large coral relate to the ongoing UN climate talks?

The discovery coincides with the UN climate talks, where discussions focus on the severe risks posed to coral reefs and island nations from climate change, emphasizing the need for global action to protect these vital ecosystems.

What was the reaction of Manu S. Felix upon discovering the coral?

Manu S. Felix expressed awe and excitement upon discovering the coral, describing it as an 'amazing' find and recognizing its special significance.

What lessons do scientists hope to learn from the survival of this ancient coral?

Scientists hope to learn how this ancient coral has managed to survive in a warming ocean environment, potentially offering insights that could help preserve other coral reefs facing similar challenges.