Record-breaking Coral Discovered in the Northern Islands

April 10, 2026 Newsletters We’re proud to see one of the CNMI’s natural wonders featured online by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and its sheer size is breathtaking.  Scientists recently measured a colossal coral formation in Maug Island spanning roughly 14,500 square feet, wider than two school buses across the top and stretching the length of four school buses at its base.  It is the largest coral of its kind ever recorded, and it may be more than 2,000 years old.  Located within the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, this massive, cathedral-like structure underscores both the resilience of our ocean ecosystems and the global significance of the waters surrounding the CNMI.  Discoveries like this highlight that the CNMI is home to world-class marine resources and reinforce the importance of continued stewardship of these extraordinary natural treasures for future generations. Image