A summary poster to help guide the detection and identification of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) was designed in early 2019 by MPAConnect, a partnership between the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program with a network of 30 Caribbean coral reef marine protected areas.
There has been growing concern among marine natural resource managers across the Caribbean about the spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. This disease affects some of the slowest-growing and longest-lived reef-building corals, including the iconic brain corals, star corals and pillar corals. It spreads rapidly and causes high rates of mortality among affected corals. The disease is appearing in parts of the Caribbean and marine natural resource managers need to be on the alert for this very real, new threat. In response to requests from our regional partners MPAConnect has created French and Spanish versions of the poster.
“The English version of the poster was extremely well-received by managers and it achieved tremendous reach throughout the region. As we all grapple with this emerging regional issue, we’re pleased to be able to respond to the needs of our Spanish and French-speaking colleagues,” explains MPAConnect Coordinator, Ms. Emma Doyle.
“The poster incorporates best available information on this coral disease exchanged by experts from NOAA and more than three dozen government agencies, universities and conservation organizations. By helping to disseminate the information in three languages, the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute is fulfilling its mission to advance the goals of wise management and conservation of marine resources throughout the Caribbean,” she adds.
To download English, Spanish or French versions of the poster please go to https://www.gcfi.org/emerging-issues-florida-coral-disease-outbreak/ or find them attached. For more information please contact [email protected].
Adapted from the GCFINET list.
