Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Florida Reef Tract Coral Disease Outbreak

2016

"Florida's coral reefs are experiencing a multi-year outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease. While disease outbreaks are not uncommon, this event is unique due to its large geographic range, extended duration, rapid progression, high rates of mortality and the number of species affected. The disease is thought to be caused by bacteria and can be transmitted to other corals through direct contact and water circulation. Researchers are working to identify potential pathogens and relationships with environmental factors, strategies to treat diseased colonies, and identify genotypes of corals that are resistant to the disease."

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, Florida, coral disease

NOS

ONMS

FY2018 CRCP Project 31219; Project Title: Communicating about Coral Disease in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Principal Investigator: Beth Dieveney