Reports from international environmental summits or agreements

World's Largest Coral, 300 Years Old and Longer Than a Blue Whale, Discovered in Solomon Islands Amid Record Coral Mortality

Nov 19, 2024, 07:24 AM

Scientists have discovered what is believed to be the world's largest coral in the Pacific Ocean, specifically around the Solomon Islands. This massive coral, confirmed in October, is estimated to be about 300 years old and is longer than a blue whale, making it not only the largest coral ever recorded but also visible from space. This finding comes amidst troubling reports regarding the health of other coral reefs, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, which has recently experienced the highest coral mortality on record. Research indicates that approximately one-third of hard coral in a northern section of the Great Barrier Reef has died, marking the largest annual decline in 39 years of monitoring. Factors contributing to this decline include recent mass bleaching events, cyclones, and flooding, raising concerns about the overall health of coral ecosystems affected by climate change.