Football Field-Sized Coral Colony Found by Mother-Daughter Duo; Why Was It Kept Secret?
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Mother-Daughter Duo Discovers Giant Coral in Great Barrier Reef; Scientists Hide Location
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News18•06-03-2026, 08:57
Mother-Daughter Duo Discovers Giant Coral in Great Barrier Reef; Scientists Hide Location
•Jan Pope and Sophie Kalkowski-Pope discovered the world's largest single coral colony, equivalent to an American football field, in Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
•The massive coral, spanning 3,973 square meters and 111 meters long, was found on February 26, 2026, during a routine survey.
•Scientists are keeping the exact location hidden to protect the ancient colony from human interference and excessive tourism.
•High-resolution images and underwater maps were used by QUT's Centre for Robotics to create an accurate 3D model for future study.
•Experts warn this discovery doesn't negate climate change threats like coral bleaching, emphasizing the need for continued protection and citizen science.
