What’s going on?

First reported in 2014, stony coral tissue loss disease has infected more than 30 species of corals ranging over 96,000 acres throughout Florida’s Reef Tract.

When infected, the coral’s tissue cells rupture and die. The cause for this disease is still unknown, but the use of antibiotics on infected corals is proving effective in combating disease progression.

Areas affected:

Key:

Purple – Sighting reported

Green – Stony coral tissue loss disease not present

Red – Stony coral tissue loss disease present

SCTLD map

To view a map showing how the disease has progressed in Florida, visit: Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Occurrence Across Florida’s Reef (NOAA)

What does it look like?

SCTLD Example

White lesions depicting tissue loss are prevalent on infected coral.

SCTLD Example

The distinct white color indicates areas of exposed skeleton.

Why it matters

Coral reefs provide some of the most distinct and varied marine ecosystems in the world. Florida’s coral reef is the only barrier reef in the continental U.S., providing a home for countless organisms.

Five of the species affected by stony coral tissue loss disease are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

The disease targets many coral species, but some are foundational corals that aid in reef-building. Once a coral has contracted the disease and begins to lose living tissue, the entire colony can perish in a period of weeks to months.

What you can do

More information

For more information, visit:

Information from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment.