In January of 2019, we were hit with a shocking revelation in the territory. The first confirmed cases of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in the USVI.
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, otherwise known as SCTLD, is a devastating coral disease that has been destroying the reefs of Florida since it first emerged in 2014. Unlike many other coral diseases, which can have significant impacts to a reef, this disease attacks an unprecedented 22 different species of coral. In addition, once a coral has been infected by SCTLD, it will likely completely die within months to weeks of initial symptom onset. As a result the appearance of this disease on reef can be disastrous, leading to an unrecognizable reef over the course of 1 year.
With the first confirmed observation in January of 2019, all hands were on deck to do whatever could be done. At first, that was as simple as finding out where it was and where it was spreading. Connecting with resources in Florida, regular conference calls were set up for everyone involved in coral management and conservation: UVI, DPNR, CORE, NOAA, TNC, NPS. The Virgin Islands Disease Advisory Committee had been born.
First identified at Flat Cay in January of 2019, it was initially confirmed only on the southwest of St. Thomas, but soon was identified as spreading. Over the course of 2019 SCTLD was eventually confirmed in nearly every bay and cay off of St. Thomas. In January of 2020, SCTLD was confirmed on the western coast of St. John.
At the University, continual research is underway to both understand and combat the disease. From coral susceptibility, to disease transmission, to pathogen identification, to infection progression. This ongoing research serves as primary resource to helping to monitor and combat the spread of SCTLD across the region. Regarding treatment, CDAC is working to implement treatments identified in Florida as effective, working with Ocean Alchemists to apply Base2b, a specialized paste that can be infused with amoxicillin to stop the progression of the disease. UVI and Ocean Alchemists are further working to develop even more effective treatments, implementing experimental treatments in the field and measuring their effectiveness to combat SCTLD.
For more information, CDAC has now launched a website with information regarding disease spread, treatments, and how anyone can help prevent the loss of USVI reefs. Check it out at vicoraldisease.org