The recent discovery of a colossal coral reef system off the East Coast of the U.S. represents a significant milestone in marine exploration. Spanning approximately 310 miles from Florida to South Carolina, this reef is now recognized as the largest in the Atlantic Ocean. Remarkably, it surpasses three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, according to a comprehensive study published in the scientific journal Geomatics.

Derek Sowers, a prominent figure in ocean mapping and the lead author of the study, highlighted the collaborative nature of this achievement and emphasized the ongoing global initiative to map the largely uncharted territories of the world’s oceans.

“This strategic multiyear and multi-agency effort to systematically map and characterize the stunning coral ecosystem right on the doorstep of the U.S. East Coast is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when we pool resources and focus on exploring the approximately 50 percent of U.S. marine waters that are still unmapped,” Sowers told NOAA Ocean Exploration.

The reef’s depth varies considerably, ranging from 655 feet to 3,280 feet. This ecosystem provides a haven for diverse marine life, including octopuses, sharks, swordfish, shrimp, and various fish species. Stuart Sandin, a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who was not involved in the study, remarked on the sheer scale of the reef, describing it as “eye-opening” and “breathtaking.”

This groundbreaking revelation was made possible through advanced underwater mapping technology, which has evolved significantly since the reef’s existence was first noted in the 1960s. The use of high-resolution sonar devices transported on ships has enabled the creation of detailed 3D images of the ocean floor.

The study also sheds light on the distinction between deep and tropical reefs. Deep reefs like this newly mapped coral system occupy more of the ocean floor and differ from tropical reefs, which are dependent on photosynthesis and are more accessible for study. Despite their differences, both types face environmental threats. Erik Cordes, a marine biologist at Temple University and co-author of the study, pointed out the adverse impacts of climate change and oil and gas drilling on these fragile ecosystems.

For context, the study compares this Atlantic reef to the renowned Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the largest tropical coral reef system globally, which spans about 1,430 miles. This comparison underscores the significance of the newly discovered reef and the critical need for continued exploration and conservation efforts in marine environments.