Using Probiotics to Fight a Lethal Coral Disease

Countries involved:  USA, Colombia

Coral Collective Partner:  CORDAP

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a highly lethal coral disease that has spread rapidly throughout the Caribbean. The disease affects over 20 coral species and is now present on reefs in 18 countries and territories. There is currently no cure for this infection, however individual coral colonies can be saved with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin). This project aims to slow the spread and mitigate the effects of this disease around San Andres Island, Colombia using probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics. Probiotics have the potential to protect healthy colonies, stop lesion progression, and prevent disease transmission. This project will specifically compare four species of corals in colonies around San Andrés Island which have shown potential signs of resistance to the disease, and the results will be used to develop future probiotic treatments.