Article
Environmental Sciences
James S. Evans, Valerie J. Paul, Christina A. Kellogg
Summary: Since 2014, corals in Florida's Coral Reef have been affected by the stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). Ship-associated biofilms may have the potential to be vectors for the transmission of SCTLD into new regions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kara Titus, Lauren O'Connell, Kristiaan Matthee, Michael Childress
Summary: Marine diseases have caused significant declines in coral cover in the Caribbean, and their prevalence is expected to increase with rising ocean temperatures. This study investigates the transmission rates of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) across different factors, including direct contact, waterborne transmission, Symbiodiniaceae composition, and butterflyfish foraging. The results suggest that direct contact transmission is faster between diseased Orbicella and Montastraea corals than between Montastraea corals. The composition of Symbiodiniaceae differed significantly between different years, potentially explaining differences in transmission rates. Additionally, there is suggestive evidence that butterflyfish may play a role in infection recovery.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandra Mendoza Quiroz, Raul Tecalco Renteria, Gandhi German Ramirez Tapia, Margaret W. Miller, Maria Victoria Grosso-Becerra, Anastazia T. Banaszak
Summary: Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has caused high mortality in at least 25 coral species, with Pseudodiploria strigosa being the second most affected in the Mexican Caribbean. Offspring obtained from crosses between a healthy colony and an SCTLD-affected colony showed high fertilization and settlement success, indicating the potential for larval-based restoration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael S. Studivan, Ryan J. Eckert, Erin Shilling, Nash Soderberg, Ian C. Enochs, Joshua D. Voss
Summary: Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a highly deadly and fast-spreading disease that affects Florida's Coral Reef and the wider Caribbean. Researchers are working together to find strategies to mitigate the spread of SCTLD, including using disease-resistant genotypes, genetic rescue, and therapeutics. Through experiments, they have found that antibiotic treatment can help reverse the damage caused by SCTLD and improve coral immune responses.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie M. Rosales, Lindsay K. Huebner, Abigail S. Clark, Ryan McMinds, Rob R. Ruzicka, Erinn M. Muller
Summary: Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a devastating coral disease with unknown cause. This study found that the microbial community, particularly members of Ciliophora, plays a role in SCTLD lesions. Less energy-efficient pathways were enriched in diseased corals, indicating more active bacterial growth. Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence-related genes were also identified.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael S. Studivan, Ashley M. Rossin, Ewelina Rubin, Nash Soderberg, Daniel M. Holstein, Ian C. Enochs
Summary: This study demonstrated that reef sediments can transmit Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) through indirect exposure between diseased and healthy corals. The study also identified 16 SCTLD indicator taxa associated with coral tissue loss. This research is important for our better understanding of the role of sediment microbial communities and coastal development activities in the persistence of SCTLD in the wider area.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Craig Dahlgren, Valeria Pizarro, Krista Sherman, William Greene, Joseph Oliver
Summary: Coral reefs in Grand Bahama and New Providence islands have experienced declines in coral cover due to hurricanes, bleaching events, and local threats, but the greatest impact in the past decade may be attributed to stony coral tissue loss disease. The disease has significantly affected coral populations, with certain species showing higher infection and mortality rates near international shipping ports. Initial assessments were conducted before the disease outbreak was reported, and subsequent surveys indicated spatial patterns of mortality and infection rates, as well as some resistance to the disease.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicholas A. Rosenau, Sarah Gignoux-Wolfsohn, Richard A. Everett, A. Whitman Miller, Mark S. Minton, Gregory M. Ruiz
Summary: Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a troubling new disease spreading rapidly in the greater Caribbean region, with concerns that commercial vessels may be vectors for its spread. The efficacy of existing management strategies for ship-borne microorganisms is still unresolved, with potential disease transport through ballast water and hull biofouling under examination due to high ship traffic in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Abigail S. Clark, Sara D. Williams, Kerry Maxwell, Stephanie M. Rosales, Lindsay K. Huebner, Jan H. Landsberg, John H. Hunt, Erinn M. Muller
Summary: The study revealed that coral colonies affected by SCTLD in five susceptible species exhibited specific microbial signatures, with the order Rhodobacterales and Clostridiales potentially playing key roles in the disease's progression. This suggests that stress-induced dysbiosis of coral microbiomes may contribute to the increase in opportunistic pathogens associated with SCTLD.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catherine Lee Hing, Zara Guifarro, Damaris Duenas, Gabriela Ochoa, Alicia Nunez, Kirah Forman, Nicole Craig, Melanie McField
Summary: Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has spread in Caribbean coral reef colonies, and Belize and Honduras have approached its management in different ways but with the same goal of evaluating and controlling the disease. Treatment with amoxicillin trihydrate powder and Coral Ointment Base2B has proven effective in halting the disease's spread and reducing mortality rates. Both countries have also continued to monitor the disease and share information. Reducing anthropogenic factors is crucial for supporting coral reef health and resilience.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nuria Estrada-Saldivar, Blanca A. Quiroga-Garcia, Esmeralda Perez-Cervantes, Omar O. Rivera-Garibay, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip
Summary: The SCTLD outbreak in southwest Cozumel quickly spread within a few months, causing high mortality rates among various coral species and leading to a significant decrease in coral cover with a rapid increase in algae cover. Despite the impact of disease and environmental factors, coral communities have shown resilience and potential for recovery.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mar Truc, Antonella Rivera, Gabriela M. Ochoa, Damaris Duenas, Zara Guifarro, Gisselle Brady, Zara Zuniga, Braulio Gutierrez, Caitlin Chock, Laura Zaldivar
Summary: Scleractinian corals, the main builders of reef ecosystems, have endured significant damage due to increasing human impact on coral communities. The emergence and spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has caused severe effects on Caribbean coral reefs. Monitoring efforts on Roatan Island in Honduras since January 2020 have revealed the rapid progression of SCTLD, affecting at least 28 coral species. The spread of the disease has shown geographical patterns and further research is needed to determine the factors contributing to these disparities.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lauren T. Toth, Travis A. Courtney, Michael A. Colella, Rob R. Ruzicka
Summary: SCTLD has had an unprecedented impact on the western Atlantic coral-reef ecosystems, causing a decline in reef-accretion potential and altering the composition of coral assemblages. The loss of reef-building corals has significantly decreased carbonate production, leading to a decline in their capacity for growth.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicole K. Hayes, Charles J. Walton, David S. Gilliam
Summary: The stony coral tissue loss disease outbreak has had a long-term impact on coral communities, causing changes in population structure and composition. While some species still exist, the likelihood of recovery is limited without immediate action to address local and global stressors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Greta Aeby, Blake Ushijima, Erich Bartels, Cory Walter, Joseph Kuehl, Scott Jones, Valerie J. Paul
Summary: The study investigated the impact of Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in different regions and found that lesion morphology and development patterns vary across regions and change over time.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael S. Studivan, Ashley M. Rossin, Ewelina Rubin, Nash Soderberg, Daniel M. Holstein, Ian C. Enochs
Summary: This study demonstrated that reef sediments can transmit Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) through indirect exposure between diseased and healthy corals. The study also identified 16 SCTLD indicator taxa associated with coral tissue loss. This research is important for our better understanding of the role of sediment microbial communities and coastal development activities in the persistence of SCTLD in the wider area.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erica K. Towle, E. Caroline Donovan, Heath Kelsey, Mary E. Allen, Hannah Barkley, Jeremiah Blondeau, Russell E. Brainard, Annie Carew, Courtney S. Couch, Maria K. Dillard, C. Mark Eakin, Kimberly Edwards, Peter E. T. Edwards, Ian C. Enochs, Chloe S. Fleming, Alexandra S. Fries, Erick F. Geiger, Laura Jay Grove, Sarah H. Groves, Matthew Gorstein, Adel Heenan, Matthew W. Johnson, Justine Kimball, Jennifer L. Koss, Tye Kindinger, Arielle Levine, Derek P. Manzello, Nathan Miller, Thomas Oliver, Jennifer C. Samson, Dione Swanson, Bernardo Vargas-Angel, T. Shay Viehman, Ivor D. Williams
Summary: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Conservation Program supports the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program, which conducts standardized observations to assess the status of coral reef ecosystems in the United States. Despite an overall rating of "Good," most coral reefs are declining and vulnerable to further degradation, with climate change impacts being more pronounced than expected.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Dobbelaere, Daniel M. Holstein, Erinn M. Muller, Lewis J. Gramer, Lucas McEachron, Sara D. Williams, Emmanuel Hanert
Summary: For the past 7 years, Florida's Coral Reef has experienced severe coral loss due to the stony coral tissue loss disease. A recent study suggests that the spread of the disease is influenced by ocean circulation patterns, particularly in the western edge of the reef. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of disease transmission and its impact on uninfected areas.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
A. J. Veglia, K. Beavers, E. W. Van Buren, S. S. Meiling, E. M. Muller, T. B. Smith, D. M. Holstein, A. Apprill, M. E. Brandt, L. D. Mydlarz, A. M. S. Correa
Summary: This study provides genomic evidence of filamentous viruses in SCTLD-affected corals and contributes to understanding the roles of viruses in SCTLD.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Philip M. Gravinese, Shelby A. Perry, Angelo Jason Spadaro, Albert E. Boyd, Ian C. Enochs
Summary: Coastal habitats are facing challenges of decreased seawater pH and increased temperature due to anthropogenic climate change. The Caribbean king crab plays a crucial role in Western Atlantic reefs by grazing macroalgae that competes with coral. A laboratory experiment found that juvenile king crabs are tolerant to changes associated with climate change, suggesting they could benefit coral reef restoration efforts to make them more resilient to warming and acidic oceans.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic Muenzel, Kay Critchell, Courtney Cox, Stuart J. Campbell, Raymond Jakub, Iliana Chollett, Nils Krueck, Daniel Holstein, Eric A. Treml, Maria Beger
Summary: This study compared two methods for incorporating larval dispersal connectivity into spatial planning of marine reserve networks and found that different methods are suitable for different contexts. The spatial dependency method is more appropriate when dispersal is limited, habitats are highly degraded, or the target amount of habitat protected is low. On the other hand, protecting individual sites with high connectivity scores is a better strategy when subpopulations are well connected and more habitat is protected. Spatial dependency methods generally produce more spatially clustered solutions with more benefits inside reserves compared to site-based methods.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
John Morris, Ian Enochs, Alice Webb, Didier de Bakker, Nash Soderberg, Graham Kolodziej, Derek Manzello
Summary: Ocean acidification is expected to affect coral reef ecosystems by changing calcification, bioerosion, and physiology of marine organisms. The study found that diurnal fluctuations in carbonate chemistry can impact the bioerosion rates of sponges, and this effect may be intensified by photosynthetic symbionts.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice E. Webb, Ian C. Enochs, Ruben van Hooidonk, Rene M. van Wester, Nicole Besemer, Graham Kolodzier, T. Shay Viehman, Derek P. Manzello
Summary: In order for reef frameworks to persist, the production of calcium carbonate by corals and other calcifying organisms must exceed the losses caused by erosion. However, this balance is currently threatened by ocean warming and acidification. A modelling approach was developed to forecast habitat persistence under different emission scenarios and to examine the effects of restoration and coral thermal adaptation. The results showed that net carbonate production declines once the threshold for severe bleaching is reached, but mitigation and adaptation can delay the switch from net accretion to erosion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raffi R. Isah, Ian C. Enochs, Maria Lourdes San Diego-McGlone
Summary: Unregulated fish mariculture in Bolinao, Philippines has resulted in regional eutrophication and localized acidification of coral reefs. Water quality and carbonate chemistry parameters show variations between seasons. The study highlights the need to address both global acidification and local disturbances caused by fish mariculture.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle A. Johnston, Michael S. Studivan, Ian C. Enochs, Adrienne M. S. Correa, Nicole Besemer, Ryan J. Eckert, Kimberly Edwards, Ryan Hannum, Xinping Hu, Marissa Nuttall, Kelly O'Connell, Ana M. Palacio-Castro, George P. Schmahl, Alexis B. Sturm, Blake Ushijima, Joshua D. Voss
Summary: East and West Flower Garden Bank in the Gulf of Mexico experienced a disease outbreak in August 2022, with disease-like lesions observed on seven coral species. Rapid response cruises were conducted to characterize the disease, treat affected corals, and collect baseline images. This provides an opportunity to study coral disease in a relatively healthy ecosystem and inform mitigation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelsey M. Beavers, Emily W. Van Buren, Ashley M. Rossin, Madison A. Emery, Alex J. Veglia, Carly E. Karrick, Nicholas J. MacKnight, Bradford A. Dimos, Sonora S. Meiling, Tyler B. Smith, Amy Apprill, Erinn M. Muller, Daniel M. Holstein, Adrienne M. S. Correa, Marilyn E. Brandt, Laura D. Mydlarz
Summary: Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a pervasive and virulent coral disease affecting over 22 species of reef-building coral in the Caribbean. By studying the gene expression profiles of five coral species in a SCTLD transmission experiment, we investigate their response to the disease. Our findings demonstrate that SCTLD induces symbiophagy across coral species and that the severity of the disease is influenced by the identity of the Symbiodiniaceae.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
T. Shay Viehman, Borja G. Reguero, Hunter S. Lenihan, Johanna H. Rosman, Curt D. Storlazzi, Elizabeth A. Goergen, Miguel F. Silander, Sarah H. Groves, Daniel M. Holstein, Andrew W. Bruckner, Jane V. Carrick, Brian K. Haus, Julia B. Royster, Melissa S. Duvall, Walter I. Torres, James L. Hench
Summary: The loss of functional and accreting coral reefs has negative effects on coastal protection and resilience for tropical coastlines. Coral restoration has the potential to recover healthy reefs, but scaling up restoration for coastal protection requires integrating principles from multiple disciplines and filling knowledge gaps.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John T. Morris, Ian C. Enochs, Nicole Besemer, T. Shay Viehman, Sarah H. Groves, Jeremiah Blondeau, Cory Ames, Erica K. Towle, Laura Jay W. Grove, Derek P. Manzello
Summary: This study calculates carbonate budgets for 723 sites across the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) using benthic cover and parrotfish demographic data, as well as high-resolution LiDAR topobathymetry. The results show that the majority of the study sites are in an erosional state, with particularly vulnerable habitat in the Southeast Florida region. Mid-channel reefs in the Florida Keys have the highest net carbonate production and may be crucial for reef development in the region. The study emphasizes the importance of increased protections and management efforts to offset the net erosion of Florida reefs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)