Great Barrier Reef coral giant discovered by citizen scientists

Citizen scientists located a Pavona clavus colony near Cairns measuring about 111 metres in length and covering roughly 3,973 sq m. Experts say such large colonies are expected to become rarer as bleaching increases with global heating.

Citizen scientists have reported what they believe is one of the largest coral colonies recorded on the Great Barrier Reef. The colony was identified as Pavona clavus and was first found by Jan Pope in waters a few hours offshore from Cairns. It was recorded as part of the Great Reef Census, a citizen science project run by Citizens of the Reef. Experts note that large coral colonies are likely to become less common as bleaching rises in severity and frequency linked to global heating. Known details: - Species: Pavona clavus. - Size: about 111 metres in maximum length and an estimated area of 3,973 sq m, roughly half the size of a soccer field. - Discovery: first located by Jan Pope during participation in the Great Reef Census. - Location: waters a few hours offshore from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. - Context: experts say large colonies will become rarer as bleaching increases in severity and frequency due to global heating. Summary: This finding highlights the presence of an unusually large coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef and the role of citizen science in documenting reef features. Undetermined at this time.