Kategorie: News
Coral more than 30 metres long
Marine biologists have discovered a coral more than 30 metres long in the South Pacific. National Geographic's Pristine Seas reports that the discovery is the largest coral found to date. The 5.5 metre high structure consists of a colony of tiny coral polyps and is estimated to have been growing on the seabed near the Solomon Islands for over three centuries.
In contrast to a reef - which is a network of many coral colonies - the find is a single and therefore independent coral. The coral grows in the sea of the Three Sisters archipelago, which belongs to the Solomon Islands and is known for its great biodiversity.
The research team from Pristine Seas discovered the coral during a scientific expedition to the Solomon Islands. The coral is mostly brownish in colour and has striking speckles in yellow, blue and red. The giant stony coral of the species Pavona clavus provides an important habitat for numerous species, including shrimps, crabs and fish. The marine biologists from Pristine Seas and other members of the explorer group are working with indigenous peoples and governments, among others, to protect the oceans.
Measurements taken by the research team revealed an astonishing 34 metres in length and 32 metres in width. The dimensions are gigantic and the coral is longer than a blue whale; adult specimens of the whales reach up to 30 metres in length (the largest blue whale ever measured reached a length of 33.6 metres).
One billion small polyps
‘Just when we think there is nothing more to discover on Earth, we come across a massive coral made up of almost a billion tiny polyps, pulsing with life and colour,’ said Enric Sala, founder of Pristine Seas. ‘This is a major scientific discovery, comparable to finding the world's tallest tree. Unfortunately, as we know, there is great cause for concern: despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats.’
Coral reefs must be protected
For the people of the Solomon Islands, this discovery is a wonderful event. ‘Our livelihoods depend on healthy coral reefs. This discovery emphasises the need to protect and conserve them,’ said Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. With over 490 coral species, the Solomon Islands is home to the second largest coral diversity in the world, according to Pristine Seas.
The discovery comes at a time when only 8.4 per cent of the world's oceans are protected. According to a decision by the international community, at least 30 per cent of the ocean area should be protected by 2030 in order to preserve the natural functions of the oceans for the carbon balance and food security.
Further information on the topic:
Coral protection, a human right
Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef
Pristine Seas (National Geographics)
youTube Welt (News channel)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtyVd38uTjw
ARD (German Television) Media Centre
ardmediathek.de/.../spektakulaerer-fund-riesige-koralle-entdeckt/