A Maze Coral with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
7 August 2019. - The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) are requesting urgent assistance from coral reef users and the general public in controlling the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). As we have reported in recent press releases, SCTLD has been confirmed at coral reefs off South Caicos and West Caicos. We now have further evidence that SCTLD has spread to reefs on Providenciales.
We want all coral reef users and the general public to know that:
1. SCTLD is believed to be caused by a bacterial pathogen; therefore, it can be spread by direct contact from divers and fishers if precautions are not taken.
2. It has come to our attention that some dive operators have been attempting to help the situation by clearing away diseased tissue from infected coral heads. Because SCTLD is a bacterial pathogen, these activities are probably spreading the disease.
3. TCRF is hoping to work together with DECR to implement a plan to combat and monitor the disease, but we need reef users and the public to be aware of best practices to help control the disease.
Here is what you can do:
1. Report any suspected sightings of SCTLD immediately to DECR (environment@gov.tc) and TCRF (donstark@tcreef.org).
2. Avoid any contact with infected corals (they can easily be mistaken as bleached corals). Touching and removing diseased tissue will only spread the disease.
3. If you do observe SCTLD while diving or fishing (even if you do not touch it), please disinfect your dive and/or fishing gear before using it again. TCRF has acquired disinfection tablets and will provide them to you free of charge. Alternatively, a bleach solution can be used.
4. Avoid fishing and diving at known infected sites, if possible, to avoid spreading the disease, until treatment is underway.
5. If you have observed SCTLD while diving or fishing, do not get in the water again until your gear has been disinfected.
SCTLD is a highly infectious disease that affects more than 20 coral species in TCI. The disease has a known mortality rate of 80% in affected corals. TCRF has applied for a Darwin Plus grant to initiate a comprehensive management plan to deal with SCTLD. When funding becomes available, we will be training all stakeholders in best practices regarding how to control the disease. Until this funding kicks in, we have reached out to private donors, who are providing funding for emergency treatment and monitoring.
Alizee Zimmerman (TCRF) and Roddy McLeod (DECR) attended a training workshop in Florida on August 1 and 2 to learn about the latest treatment techniques for SCTLD. TCRF already has treatment materials in TCI and will begin antibiotic treatment protocols as soon as Alizee, Roddy and other volunteer divers complete the an more detailed assessment of the situation. We are asking the public to report on locations of infections only. Please do not attempt to control the disease yourself without adequate training and information. We will continue to provide the public with updates as this situation develops.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we can provide you with any additional information regarding SCTLD in TCI.
About TCRF
Founded in 2010, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is the only active environmental advocacy organization in the TCI. It is an all volunteer-run organization that provides funding for education, research and conservation programs to individuals, organizations and agencies that help to preserve and protect the environment of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our goal is to have at least 85% of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkelers visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands directed to the Fund’s programs.
Anyone wishing to donate or assist the TCRF in any way can contact them through their website, www.TCReef.org. Scuba divers visiting the islands are encouraged to make a $10 donation through the purchase of a dive tag that can be attached to their dive gear to show their support. Snorkelers visiting the islands can show their support through the $5 purchase of a pink or blue silicone wristband. A complete list of outlets for TCRF merchandise can be found on the organization’s website.