World's largest coral colony found on Great Barrier Reef

Citizen scientists discovered and mapped a coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef about 364 feet long with an estimated footprint of 42,765 square feet, using in-water measurements, high-resolution imaging and 3D modelling.

Citizen scientists have discovered and mapped what is being described as the world's largest known single coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef. The find was made by a mother-daughter team, Jan Pope and Sophie Kalkowski-Pope, during a reef census from their family vessel. The colony measures about 364 feet long with an approximate footprint of 42,765 square feet, substantially larger than previously recorded individual colonies of the same species. Researchers collaborated with the Centre for Robotics at Queensland University of Technology to produce high-resolution spatial models of the site. Known details: - Discovery made by Jan Pope and Sophie Kalkowski-Pope while conducting a reef census. - Measured length about 364 feet and estimated footprint roughly 42,765 square feet. - Previously recorded large colonies of the same species were typically 100–115 feet long. - Mapping combined in-water measurements, surface-based high-resolution imaging and three-dimensional spatial modelling with QUT's Centre for Robotics. - Site conditions reported as having strong tidal currents and relatively low cyclonic wave exposure, and the exact location is being kept confidential to protect the coral. Summary: Researchers are studying local conditions to learn how a colony of this size developed and endured. High-resolution spatial data will allow direct, one-to-one comparisons if teams return in months and years to monitor change. The researchers emphasize that this single discovery should not be read as evidence that reefs overall are recovering, but as an example of the uneven ways reef systems respond to environmental pressures.