Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2021, June 9). Reef-wide outplanting of
coral susceptible to stony coral tissue loss disease begins. Einpresswire.
https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/543374756/reef-wide-outplanting-of-corals-susceptible-to-stony-coral-tissue-loss-disease-begins
In early 2021, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) started a project to research the stony coral tissue disease. Since 2014, the Florida reefs contained this disease, affecting 20 out of 40 species of the reefs. The FWC has outplanted 1,152 coral reef colonies in Florida to see the effects of the stony coral tissue disease. The FWC, along with the other groups they are working with, will collect monthly data on the colonies that were outplanted for two years. This will allow them to see what coral species are affected by the stony coral tissue disease.
This article relates to the environmental science of diseases in marine life. While coral reefs are susceptible to natural diseases, humans can help discover how to prevent these diseases. I feel that it is important for people to help keep the wildlife around us in good condition because it is our responsibility to care for the Earth. While the U.S. does not have many coral reefs, it is important to research and learn more about the science and life of the ones we do have.
Addie- I hadn’t heard of the stony coral disease before. Did the article say where it had originated? Further study, as you say, needs to happen. Seems like there are a variety of stresses on coral reefs- temp, ocean acidification. I wonder if those stresses allow a disease like this to take hold. Hopefully they learn about how to slow its impact.
This is a solid post, Addie.
Hi Mr. Powell, This disease actually did originate on the coast of Florida in around 2014 (to researchers knowledge). And I also think that it is true that as more stressors are put on the coral reefs they become more susceptible to this disease.