An expedition began in October of 2024 in the Solomon Islands, which are northeast of Australia. The expedition was led through a partnership with National Geographic Pristine Seas, Ocean12, the Government of the Solomon Islands, and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development. The expedition discovered what is now considered the largest underwater creature. In a statement about the coral discovery to National Geographic, Sala said, "Finding this mega coral is like discovering the tallest tree on earth." The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, accounting for both length and weight.