Saudi Arabia discovers giant coral colony in Red Sea
Red Sea Global (RSG) has announced the discovery of one of the world’s largest coral colonies off Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, within the waters of the AMAALA luxury tourism destination.
The coral, identified as part of the
Pavona genus, measures close to 32 by 34 meters—matching the size of the
current world record-holder located in the Pacific. It is the largest colony of
its kind ever recorded in the Red Sea.
According to RSG, the coral’s
massive size and pristine condition could turn it into a major draw for
eco-tourists visiting AMAALA, offering rare diving experiences in one of the
world’s most resilient marine ecosystems.
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Visitor access will be strictly
controlled under RSG’s responsible tourism guidelines, ensuring minimal
environmental impact while showcasing the region’s natural marine heritage.
Testament to the Red Sea’s
resilience
Ahmed Alansari, Head of
Environmental Protection and Regeneration at RSG, described the discovery as a
powerful indicator of the Red Sea’s ecological value and durability.
“The discovery of a coral of such
extraordinary dimensions demonstrates the ecological significance as well as
the pristine beauty of the Red Sea,” he said.
The coral was found by RSG
scientists Rhonda Suka and Sylvia Jagerroos, who are leading documentation
efforts as part of the international “Map the Giants” initiative, which tracks
coral structures larger than five meters. This is the second giant coral colony
submitted by RSG to the project in recent months.
Centuries-old survival
Though pinpointing the coral’s age
is challenging due to limitations in dating techniques and a lack of
species-specific data, estimates based on size and growth rates from similar
Pacific species suggest the colony could be between 400 and 800 years old.
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Joint research by RSG and King
Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is ongoing to better
understand the environmental factors that allowed the coral to survive for
centuries.
Red Sea corals are globally
recognized for their extraordinary ability to withstand high temperatures and
salinity levels—traits believed to be genetically embedded through centuries of
adaptation.
“Finding such an invaluable specimen
was truly a mind-boggling experience,” said Suka. “This colony’s resilience
gives us hope for the continued survival of Red Sea corals in the face of
rising environmental and human pressures.”
Jagerroos added, “A coral of this
size is incredibly rare. Mapping these giants is crucial to conserving them.”
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AMAALA prepares to open
AMAALA, where the coral was found,
is poised to become a global hub for wellness and sustainable tourism. Set to
welcome its first guests later this year, the destination will feature more
than 1,400 hotel rooms across eight luxury resorts, offering programs led by internationally
renowned wellness experts.
Source: Gulf News
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