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3w ago

Citizen Scientists Map 111-Meter Coral Colony on Great Barrier Reef, Likely the World’s Largest

Scientists are investigating whether local currents and limited cyclone exposure helped the giant colony endure.

The coral was found as part of the Great Reef Census, which encourages citizen scientists to collect data.
The coral is around the same length as a soccer field.
The Great Reef Census involves more than 100 vessels.

Overview

  • Mother-and-daughter divers Sophie Kalkowski-Pope and Jan Pope located the Pavona clavus colony during the Great Reef Census.
  • The structure measures about 111 meters in length with an estimated 3,973-square-meter footprint, far exceeding previous records for single colonies.
  • Size and species were verified through in-water measurements, high-resolution surface imagery, and a 3D model produced with Queensland University of Technology researchers.
  • The exact location, reported offshore from Cairns, is being kept confidential as stewardship passes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for protection and monitoring.
  • AIMS scientist Mike Emslie estimates the colony is at least a few hundred years old, and researchers caution the find does not signal broad reef recovery during ongoing global bleaching.