Restoring Coral

Coral reefs in the Caribbean are being decimated by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), which is killing coral at an alarming rate. These reefs are essential for wildlife habitat and shoreline storm protection, and they draw tourists to scuba dive.

We are working to protect and recover coral, ensuring they continue as part of the region’s vital marine habitat. 

Our Goal for Coral

Create long-term, sustainable protections for coral in key reef sites.

Dominica has 31 coral reefs and is home to 46 species of stony coral.

Photo Credit: Stephen Frink

The Threat of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease

An outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is unfolding in the Caribbean. This highly lethal coral disease was first discovered off the coast of Florida in 2014 and has continued to spread rapidly. Sick colonies of coral display lesions and then quickly die. 

It affects over 20 coral species in the Caribbean, and reduces coral cover in areas already suffering from declining reefs. Efforts to understand SCTLD and its impacts are essential for developing protections and treatments. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Frink

Photo Credit: Stephen Frink

Projects that Protect Coral

  • We’ve set-up monitoring stations to track the movement of tagged fish, building on a 15 year data set that allows us to understand fish diversity and how it has changed over time in areas affected by SCTLD.

    This helps us determine the diversity of coral before and after SCTLD, as well as the impact of invasive species.

  • Working with local governments and communities we advocate for the protection of marine areas that help keep coral healthy and intact.

  • SCTLD is devastating to coral, but strategic application of medicine makes a difference. Infected reefs are treated with a special formulation of antibiotics that not only support the recovery of individual corals, they help build a perimeter of safety to prevent additional disease spread.

  • We are working hard to protect and keep coral in their natural home, but a back-up plan is essential so no species is lost forever.

    Through an off-site habitat that provides security for a variety of coral species, we incubate and raise nascent coral so reefs can be repopulated if needed.

Meet Coral Joe

The strategic application of antibiotics can help safeguard coral against stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). “Coral Joe” is one dedicated, local volunteer who visits infected reefs equipped with syringes of specially formulated antibiotics. When applied appropriately, these treatments can help coral recover from SCTLD and create perimeters of safety to mitigate disease spread.

The Work Continues

We are also working hard to save sea turtles and build protections for whales. Learn more about our efforts help marine life in the Caribbean.