Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Scientists said on Thursday they found what is believed to be the world's largest coral, which has been growing undisturbed in the Solomon Islands for possibly 300 years.
A research vessel with the National Geographic Pristine Seas team found the coral in the Three Sisters Island group. The coral measured 112 feet wide, 105 feet long and 18 feet high with a circumference of more than 600 feet.
"Just when you think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color," Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, said in a statement.
"This is a significant scientific discovery, like finding the world's tallest tree. But there is cause for alarm. Despite its remote location, this coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats."
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Coral is a living organism made up of a complex network of coral polyps, tiny individual creatures. Coral reefs, however, are made up of many colonies of corals.
Scientists said the newly discovered coral is so large that it can be seen from space and looks more like a huge rock lurking just under the ocean. The discovery comes as concerns continue over dying coral reefs around the world because of climate change.
"The ocean provides for our livelihoods and has contributed so much to our national economy and communities," Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, told National Geographic. "Our survival depends on healthy coral reefs, so this exciting discovery underlines the importance of protecting and sustaining them for future generations."
