Kurmelovs, R. (2021, August 19). Great Barrier Reef: scientists discover 400-year-old giant coral. The Guardian. Retrieved August 20, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/19/no-one-has-noticed-it-400-year-old-giant-coral-discovered-on-great-barrier-reef

A very large piece of coral found in the Great Barrier Reef. 10.5 meters wide, 5.3 meters tall, and over 420-440 years old, it was recently found off the coast of Australia. This is shocking because most other species around it live to around 450 years old, while this piece of coral is still alive and doing well. It is very important to its environment because it brings new species of fish and other animals to the area that use it for food and shelter.

 

This article shows a positive outlook on the health of the coral reef. So much of the news right now only revolves around the issues that the oceans are facing. Even though it is important to be aware of the negative things happening in the world, it is encouraging at times to also hear good news. It is beneficial to have such large pieces of coral like this because it provides shelter and food for many animals, keeping them alive. This piece of news shows that not all coral in the ocean is dying. If a quantity this large of coral has survived for this long, through so much pollution, there is still hope to save the oceans.