Tiny organisms called coral polyps come together in a complex network to form colonies that make up larger coral reefs. According to the research team, this coral reef is primarily brown with scattered bright colors of yellow, blue, and red, and its wavy surface resembles ocean waves.
What’s more, the giant coral is “in excellent condition” and provides essential habitat, refuge and breeding grounds for a variety of species, from shrimp and crabs to fish, Timmers said.
However, this coral faces both local and global challenges.
“Overfishing removes organisms that have essential functions in maintaining ecosystem health,” Timmers said, adding that “overfishing removes organisms that have essential functions in maintaining ecosystem health,” such as sea cucumbers that clean sediment and giant clams that filter bacteria from water. He pointed out that all living things play an important role. column.
As climate change warms the oceans, global warming is another challenge that could cause this coral to bleach and eventually die, she said.
David M. Baker, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong who studies coral reefs, said the discovery was “remarkable.” Corals are “virtually immortal,” said Baker, who was not part of the expedition. “The fact that this coral has survived so much change in its environment is a testament to the excellent conditions it has to enjoy, as well as its adaptability.”
But even the most remote reefs are not immune to the effects of climate change, he says.
“The presence of large, old corals is a sign of hope that it’s not too late to protect, conserve and restore our oceans while fighting climate change,” he says.
The Solomon Islands has the second highest coral diversity in the world, with over 490 species of hard and soft corals. The world is currently experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event, with large-scale bleaching events confirmed in at least 62 countries and territories around the world from 2023 to 2023. early 2024, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
