The Reef Is Surprisingly Healthy
The reef is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Tahiti and runs for 2 miles (3 kilometers). It’s especially visually striking due to its unique shape, resembling a massive bed of underwater roses. Some of these coral “roses” are more than 6 feet (2 meters) across.
It may seem strange that such a big and thriving coral reef could have stayed undiscovered for so long—especially given its proximity to Tahiti, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant reefs. But this stretch of coral was discovered at depths of 98 to 230 feet (30 to 70 meters), much deeper levels of water than where corals usually flourish.
