Mother-Daughter Divers Find World's Largest Coral Colony

Sophie Kalkowski-Pope and her mum Jan Pope were just supposed to be counting coral during a routine citizen science dive near Cairns. Instead, they stumbled upon a record-breaking discovery that left scientists stunned.

The pair found what researchers believe is the largest coral colony ever recorded on the Great Barrier Reef, and possibly the largest in the entire world. The massive Pavona clavus coral stretches an astonishing 111 metres long and covers nearly 4,000 square metres of ocean floor.

"It's just these meadows of rippling coral as far as the eye can see," Kalkowski-Pope said about the moment they realized what they'd found. The two were participating in Citizens of the Reef's Great Reef Census, a program that invites everyday divers to help monitor reef health.

To understand just how extraordinary this discovery is, consider the competition. The previous contender for world's largest coral, found off the Solomon Islands, measures just 34 metres along its longest edge. Another massive coral in Nusa Penida spans 71 metres. This newly discovered giant dwarfs them both.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science estimates the coral colony is at least a couple of hundred years old. That means this underwater marvel was already thriving and expanding before modern Australia was even established, quietly growing beneath the waves through centuries of change above the surface.

The mother-daughter team are keeping the exact location secret to protect the vulnerable site from potential damage. They've shared the coordinates with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which will now oversee its protection and monitoring.

Why This Inspires

This discovery reminds us that even in places we think we know well, nature still has secrets to share. The Great Barrier Reef faces real threats from climate change and human activity, but finding a centuries-old coral colony this massive and healthy shows that parts of the reef are still thriving.

Even better, this discovery came from citizen scientists, not just professional researchers. Sophie and Jan were regular divers volunteering their time to help monitor reef health. Their find proves that everyday people can make extraordinary contributions to science and conservation.

The story also highlights how protecting our oceans creates space for these ancient wonders to survive. This coral has weathered storms, temperature changes, and countless other challenges over hundreds of years because it had the right conditions to grow.

Finding something this old and this large gives scientists hope and valuable data about reef resilience, showing that when conditions are right, coral can not only survive but absolutely flourish.