Giant Coral Found on Great Barrier Reef by Volunteers

A volunteer diver named Jan Pope spotted something extraordinary in the waters off Cairns, Australia: a coral colony so massive it covers nearly half a soccer field.

The Pavona clavus coral stretches 111 meters at its widest point and blankets an estimated 3,973 square meters of ocean floor. Pope found it while participating in the Great Reef Census, a citizen science project that trains everyday people to help map and monitor the reef.

What makes this discovery special isn't just the size. This coral has survived in waters that have challenged many of its neighbors, offering scientists a living laboratory to study resilience.

The Great Reef Census is run by Citizens of the Reef, an organization that equips volunteers with the training and tools to document coral health. These citizen scientists dive with cameras and identification guides, gathering data that would be impossible for researchers to collect alone.

Discoveries like this one happen because hundreds of trained volunteers are exploring areas that scientists simply can't reach on their own. Pope's keen eye and proper training meant this giant didn't go unnoticed.

Why This Inspires

Large, ancient coral colonies are becoming increasingly rare as ocean temperatures rise and bleaching events grow more severe. Finding a thriving giant like this one reminds us that pockets of resilience still exist in our oceans.

This coral likely took hundreds of years to grow to its current size. Its survival through recent challenges could help scientists understand what makes certain corals more resilient and how we might protect others.

The discovery also proves that conservation doesn't require a PhD. When communities get involved in protecting natural wonders, they become powerful forces for discovery and change.

Pope and thousands of other citizen scientists are showing that anyone who cares enough to learn can contribute to protecting our planet's most precious ecosystems. Their eyes on the reef mean more data, faster discoveries, and ultimately better protection for these underwater worlds.

This giant coral stands as proof that wonder still awaits discovery in our oceans.