Marine

SCTLD FAQs

SCTLD Frequently Asked Questions

What is SCTLD?

Stony Coral tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) is a new deadly coral disease that appeared on Florida’s reefs in 2014 and has now spread to several countries in the Caribbean.

What is the cause of this disease?

Researchers have been unable to determine the cause and method of transmission. Evidence suggests that it is a bacterial pathogen that is transmitted by touch and water circulation (Aeby et al., 2019). However, new findings suggest a viral pathogen may be disrupting the coral–zooxanthellae symbiosis (Landsberg et al., 2020; Work et al., 2021). There is presently no known cure for this disease.

What does it look like?

SCTLD presents with focal or multifocal lesions. It is characterised by a rapid progression (up to 4cm per day). A bleached margin precedes the lesion.

How does it affect our reefs?

SCLTD affects 25+ species of hard coral and has rapid tissue mortality and colony death. Once a coral is infected by SCTLD and begins to lose live tissue, it is likely that the colony will die within weeks to months with a 60-100% mortality rate (Precht et al. 2016).

SCTLD has a high transmission rate and affects a large geographic range. It is active year-round and can remain present for multiple years. The loss of coral density and species diversity affects overall coral reef health and can have catastrophic impacts on the ecosystem services that they provide (e.g. tourism, coastal protection, food, and recreation, etc.).

What is the DoE response?

Our coral reefs have had a good foundation to fight disease based on the previous efforts of our Marine Resources Unit at the DoE. We have been working on facilitating the responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and the natural resources of the Cayman Islands since 1984. For almost 35 years, there has been some historical protection for our reefs through our marine parks.

Despite efforts to stop the spread by removing sick corals, closing dive sites, disinfecting dive gear, and even applying experimental antibiotic paste to sick corals, SCTLD spread completely around Grand Cayman within 18 months. Once SCTLD lesions are visible, corals are already infected so the various methods developed to treat the disease are ultimately ineffective at stopping the spread. This conclusion is supported by laboratory results from other coral researchers around the region dealing with the devastating effects of SCTLD.

Though the spread of the disease could not be contained, best practices were successful in delaying transmission to Little Cayman by around 5 years. Efforts therefore remain focused on preventing the disease from spreading to Cayman Brac by continuing to promote the isolation of dive and snorkel gear to home islands and the disinfection of gear and boat bilge water.

How do I disinfect my dive gear & Bilge Water?

Pathogens on dive gear may survive for extended periods and can be transferred among reefs on subsequent dives, and, potentially, transmitted to reefs internationally. Disinfect your water gear if you are arriving internationally to the Cayman Islands and before traveling between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.

Please read the following guidelines to ensure water gear and boat bilges are disinfected correctly.

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How can the public help?

The public can help by following the best practices outlined above, reporting any new sightings of SCTLD in Little Cayman and spreading the word about this lethal coral disease.

Report
If you see something, say something. If you suspect that coral is diseased, report this with your photos and location at: https://five.epicollect.net/project/sctld-report-caribbean

Keep Updated
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