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Stony coral tissue loss disease decimated Caribbean coral populations and reshaped reef functionality

Biology

Stony coral tissue loss disease decimated Caribbean coral populations and reshaped reef functionality

L. Alvarez-filip, F. J. González-barrios, et al.

A new coral disease, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), is wreaking havoc on Caribbean reefs, leading to a staggering decline of coral species and altering marine ecosystems. This groundbreaking research by Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, F. Javier González-Barrios, Esmeralda Pérez-Cervantes, Ana Molina-Hernández, and Nuria Estrada-Saldívar reveals the devastating impact of SCTLD and its potential to permanently change reef structures.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
A new coral disease, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), has caused widespread mortality among Caribbean corals. Originating in Florida in 2014, it rapidly spread across the Caribbean, resulting in significant losses (94% to <10%) across 21 species. Meandrinidae and Faviinae families were particularly affected (>50% loss). SCTLD altered coral communities by increasing weedy corals and reducing reef functionality (diversity and calcium carbonate production). This event is likely the most lethal disturbance in Caribbean history, potentially leading to a new reef regime.
Publisher
Communications Biology
Published On
Jun 09, 2022
Authors
Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, F. Javier González-Barrios, Esmeralda Pérez-Cervantes, Ana Molina-Hernández, Nuria Estrada-Saldívar
Tags
stony coral tissue loss disease
coral mortality
Caribbean corals
reef functionality
marine ecosystems
coral communities
biodiversity

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