World’s largest coral found in Solomon Islands – NBC News

Massive Coral Reef Discovered in the Solomon Islands

Tiny organisms called coral polyps come together in complex networks to form colonies that then make up even larger coral reefs. This one is mostly brown with bright splashes of yellow, blue, and red, and its rippled surface resembles ocean waves, according to the team.

Importance of Coral Reefs

Moreover, the mega coral is “in excellent condition,” providing essential habitat, shelter, and breeding grounds for an array of species from shrimp and crabs to fish, Timmers said.

Challenges Faced by Coral Reefs

However, this coral faces both local and global challenges.

• Overfishing removes organisms that have essential functions in sustaining the health of the ecosystem.
• Global warming is another challenge that could drive this coral to bleach and eventually die, as the oceans warm because of climate change.

Expert Opinion

David M. Baker, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong who studies coral reefs, said the discovery was “remarkable.” Corals are “effectively immortal,” said Baker, who was not involved in the expedition. “The fact that this coral has persisted through significant environmental change is a testament to its adaptability — in addition to the excellent conditions it must enjoy.”

However, even the most remote coral reefs are not immune to climate change, he said.

Hope for the Future

“The existence of large and old corals is a sign of hope — that it’s not too late to protect, conserve, and restore the oceans while fighting against climate change,” he said.

The Solomon Islands and Coral Diversity

The Solomon Islands have the world’s second-highest coral diversity, with more than 490 species of hard and soft corals.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protect and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
2. Goal 13: Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The world is currently experiencing a fourth global coral bleaching event, with mass bleaching confirmed in at least 62 countries and territories worldwide from 2023 to early 2024, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
   • Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

Analysis

The article discusses the challenges faced by coral reefs, specifically highlighting a massive coral reef discovered in the Solomon Islands. The issues addressed in the article are closely connected to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 13: Climate Action.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article mentions the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, as coral reefs provide essential habitat, shelter, and breeding grounds for various species. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 14.2, which focuses on sustainably managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems to achieve healthy and productive oceans. The indicator relevant to this target is Indicator 14.2.1, which measures the proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article highlights the threat of global warming and climate change to coral reefs. It mentions that warming oceans due to climate change can lead to coral bleaching and eventual death. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 13.3, which aims to improve education, awareness, and capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The indicator relevant to this target is Indicator 13.3.1, which measures the number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into their education curricula.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nbcnews.com