The amazing discovery took place in the Pacific Ocean (Pacific), off the coast of the Solomon Islands.

Corals are colonies that grow and join with other colonies over hundreds of thousands of years to form coral reefs. The largest reef, known as the Great Barrier Reef, is located along the north-east coast of Australia. Interestingly, the largest individual colonies are not located within the Great Barrier Reef at all. The previous coral record holder, jokingly named 'Big Mammy' was located off the coast of American Samoa and measured 22 metres! Now, however, there has been an amazing discovery in the Pacific Ocean (Pacific), off the coast of the Solomon Islands. By how much has the previous record been beaten?

"Megacoral ship" mistaken for a ship

Initially, researchers mistook the find for a shipwreck. As it turned out, The remarkable discovery is a huge colony of corals of the species Pavova clavus. The colony is 34 metres wide and 32 metres long and is estimated to be between 300 and even 500 years old. The organism is so large that it can even be seen from space. Scientists confirm that the megacoral has not been affected by climate change. This may be due to the colony's location at a greater depth than other colonies or coral reefs affected by global warming.

A grey future for coloured reefs

Because of climate change, namely global warming, there is a massive die-off and fading of corals. This is happening as a result of the so-called environmental stressand especially elevated water temperatures. Over the past nine years Great Barrier Reef has experienced as many as five mass fades. Similar problems are affecting coral reefs in other parts of the world. In addition to rising ocean temperatures, a global problem threatening reefs is the increasing acidification of the waters. This is caused by increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the waters. Among the threats, local threats can still be mentioned. These include:

• direct discharges of waste water,
• spills of oil and oil derivatives,
• overfishing,
• intensive tourism.

Tourists damage coral reefs directly - by collecting 'souvenirs' - and also indirectly, if only by rinsing off chemical sunscreens.

Why fight for this bright body?

Corals definitely attract tourists because of their colourful appearance, which shimmers beautifully under the surface of the water. However, their importance to people and nature is far greater than we think.

Coral reefs:

• protect coastlines from erosion,
• are home to thousands of species of fish, numerous species of crustaceans, molluscs and marine plants,
• form biodiverse ecosystems that provide stability in marine life,
• are also of great importance in science and especially in medicine.

Substances from coral reefs have their uses in the production of medicines. Coral-derived products are used in the treatment of cancer and pain associated with diseases of the nervous system.

Scientists are delighted with the new discovery of the megacoral and are encouraging the strengthening of the protection of these organisms. The inconspicuous organism has become a symbol of hope for coral reefs. The discovery was appreciated not only by the scientific community, but also by the Solomon Islands authorities, who declare its protection .