World's largest coral reef discovered near Solomon Islands

At 34m wide and 32m long, the newly discovered coral reef in the Pacific Ocean is three times larger than the previous record holder, Big Momma Reef in American Samoa.

On November 14, scientists announced that they had found the world's largest coral reef at the southeastern tip of the Solomon Islands (Pacific Ocean) in the area known as the Three Sisters.

A team of National Geographic scientists discovered this vibrant and colorful coral oasis during an expedition to the area. The reef is so large that researchers mistook it for a shipwreck.

 Pictured is the Pavona clavus coral, which looks like a lumpy brown mound. (Photo: Manu San Félix/NG Pristine Seas).

Marine ecologist Enric Sala says humans often think they have discovered everything on Earth, but this reef proves otherwise. Made up of nearly 1 billion tiny polyps, the giant reef is truly a wonder of nature.

Formed from a complex network of tiny coral polyps, the structure has grown continuously for about 300 years.

Unlike conventional coral reefs which are made up of many separate coral colonies, the newly discovered reef is an independent entity.

At 34m wide and 32m long, the reef is three times larger than the previous record holder, Big Momma Reef in American Samoa. Scientists say the reef is so large that it can be seen from space.

Scientist Molly Timmers figuratively describes it this way: while Big Momma is shaped like a giant scoop of ice cream, this newly discovered reef is like an ice cream that has begun to melt, covering a large area of ​​the seafloor.

Hotter and more acidic oceans have depleted coral life in many tropical waters across the region, including Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef.

 The discovery of the giant coral has rekindled people's sense of wonder about the ocean. (Photo: Manu San Félix/NG Pristine Seas).

However, the team said the latest discovery offered a glimmer of hope. Coral scientist Eric Brown said that while other reefs are being severely affected by climate change, the discovery of such a large and healthy reef is extremely positive news.

This new coral reef is like a lighthouse, bringing hope for the future of marine ecosystems.

For his part, senior Solomon Islands official Collin Beck said the discovery was a major breakthrough, opening new doors for humans to explore the deep mysteries of the ocean.

'More scientific research is needed to better understand our rich biodiversity and our planet,' he said .