Surreal Coral Rose Garden Discovered Off Tahiti

A “work of art” has been found within the South Pacific. But somewhat a canvas, this one is underneath the ocean. It’s a sprawling coral reef that appears like a wonderful, otherworldly rose backyard. Bonus: The reef is surprisingly wholesome.

Scientists first found the reef in November, and launched photographs and movies of their exploration of the reef this week. The reef, researchers say, is among the largest and healthiest left on the planet. They referred to as its situation “unrivaled” in a time when many different reefs are struggling and dying because of rising ocean temperatures and acidification.

“For once, it’s a positive story about coral reefs in the news, which is quite rare these days,” Julian Barbiere, UNESCO’s head of marine coverage, told CNN.