The world’s largest coral has just been discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, scientists announced Wednesday. It’s three times larger than the previous record-breaker in American Samoa, according to Pristine Seas, and longer than a blue whale, the planet’s biggest animal. Steve Spence/National Geographic Pristine SeasA diver swims alongside the mega coral, which is made up of nearly 1 billion polyps. “Making a discovery of this significance is the ultimate dream,” said Paul Rose, a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition leader. Yet while the mega coral remains vulnerable, he believes its health and longevity do provide a glimmer of hope.

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Persons: CNN CNN —, “, ”, Enric Sala, Manu San Félix, It’s “, Steve Spence, Féliz, it’s, Paul Rose, Dennis Marita, Sala, Derek Manzello, Manzello, Emily Darling, Darling, ” Sala Organizations: CNN CNN, National Geographic, Geographic, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, International Union for Conservation, Reef, CNN, Wildlife Conservation Society, COP29, UN Locations: Ocean, Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Solomon, Indonesia, Philippines, Baku, Azerbaijan