Marine researchers have claimed that they found what seems to be the largest coral colony on the surface of the planet in the clear waters of the Solomon Islands of the southwest Pacific region. This colossal coral stands an impressive 112 X 105 feet and is 16 feet tall from the base at ocean bed level. Having been established to be over 300 years old, the colony demonstrates the ability of marine environments to adapt and coexist in prevailing and developing challenges such as climate change and human induced impacts.
The colony was discovered 42 feet below sea level off the Macquarie Ridge and has attracted attention because of its environmental importance. Corals which are mostly described as plants, are in actuality, stationary animals that are central in marine ecosystems. These animals share inside their body, what is known as zooxanthellae, which in turn feed off of the carbon that is produced during photosynthesis. This delicate equilibrium allows corals to exist in low nutrient environments, while supporting a vast array of sea-life.
However, the discovery also shows the importance urgently addressed in attempts to preserve the coral reef formations. Increasing sea temperatures that are as a result of global warming reduce the ability of the corals to hold their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching and starvation. This is compounded by pollution, over fishing and coastal developments putting at risk such old formations within the earth.
Solomon Islands case is shocking call for active environmentalism in the world. It underlines the requirements of more efficient international cooperation in climate change and protection of the seas. It is possible to ask how these wonderful underwater worlds can be saved? The answer is obvious: it is possible to continue continue actions for the creation of new MPAs, carbon emission reductions, sustainable tourism.
These finding are in support of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals with reference to SDG 14 that is centered on the ocean. So, it accentuates the fine line between having more human interventions and or preserving the habitats in certain specific locations where such wonderful phenomena exist.
Relevance: Aspirants writing their exams will also find this topic relevant since it falls under environment and ecology generally discussing aspects such as; Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change, Sustainable Development among others.
