An extraordinary coral, estimated to be over 300 years old, has been found in the Solomon Islands, making it one of the largest corals ever recorded. This massive organism, which spans 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and stands 5.5 meters tall, was discovered during a National Geographic research expedition investigating climate impacts on the remote Pacific.

The coral, belonging to the species *Pavona clavus*, was described as a "cathedral underwater" by videographer Manu San Felix, who stumbled upon it while exploring a dive site. "Seeing this coral was like witnessing a monumental survivor of centuries," he said, adding that its age could trace back to when Napoleon was alive. The coral’s deep-water habitat may have sheltered it from rising surface temperatures that are currently damaging other reefs worldwide.

In a statement, Trevor Manemahaga, the climate minister for the Solomon Islands, expressed national pride in the discovery and stressed the need for conservation. “This is a special place that needs protection,” he said, underscoring the economic dependence of the Solomon Islands on marine resources and tourism.

Coral scientist Eric Brown, also on the expedition, noted the coral’s resilience. "While nearby shallow reefs suffer from warming seas, this deeper-living coral stands as a beacon of hope," he said, emphasizing its role as a home for various marine species such as shrimp, crabs, and fish. The ancient coral offers scientists a unique window into the past, potentially revealing insights about historical ocean conditions and climate resilience.

The discovery was announced as leaders at the UN Climate Talks (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, discuss urgent climate actions. Manemahaga emphasized the increasing strain on small island nations like the Solomon Islands, calling for greater financial support from wealthier countries to help protect critical ecosystems and diversify local economies.

With nearly half of warm-water coral species now under threat of extinction, scientists hope that studying resilient species like this ancient coral can inform strategies to conserve marine ecosystems facing unprecedented climate pressures.