Stony coral tissue loss disease is a new threat to coral reefs. The disease first started in 2014 and has been spreading from the Florida Keys throughout the Caribbean including the US Virgin Islands. As the pictures show, the coral, which usually has a vibrant color, develops a white lesion. These lesions eventually take over the entire coral and kill it. The disease spreads quickly and kills like COVID. Scientists are not sure the cause of it and how to stop the spread; perhaps it is spread by divers, but scientists are not sure. It is possible antibiotics might help the reef but any treatment is unproven. Corals are crucial habitats for sharks and diverse species of fish.
Coral Disease- Similar to COVID 19
