[Coral-List] SCTLD on Bonaire

[Melbourne Briscoe]

There is a lot of discussion on the Bonaire forum of ScubaBroad about the
presumed futility of restricting divers in order to slow the progressions
of SCTLD there. Is there any evidence that this is actually helpful, or is
it simply a precautionary approach based on hope?
- Mel Briscoe

On Sun, Jul 23, 2023 at 7:55 PM Steve Mussman via Coral-List <
coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> wrote:

>
> I have several recent photos of SCTLD infected corals from the reefs of
> Bonaire if anyone is interested, they are available to share.
>
> I also came across several pillar coral colonies that I’ve been informally
> monitoring over the years that have seemingly withstood multiple stressors
> including (so far) SCTLD. I’ve read that Dendrogyra cylindrus have been
> almost totally wiped out by SCTLD in Florida waters so I am wondering why
> they don’t suffer a similar fate on Bonaire. I’m guessing it has something
> to do with the fact that Bonaire’s waters have not yet warmed like
> Florida’s have. ( I have several pictures of what appear to be healthy
> pillar coral from Bonaire as well).
>
> Considering that paper on SCTLD and butterflyfish - what about other
> species as potential vectors? I have a good shot of a lizardfish laying
> directly upon a healthy star coral. It seems that there are multitudes of
> possible suspects. Although I faithfully disinfected my scuba gear as
> directed, I couldn’t help but feel like I was participating in a modern day
> version of a rain dance ritual.
>
> On a more positive note, a welcomed respite, there were no cruise ships
> barging in on Bonaire the entire week.
>
> Regards,
>
> Steve Mussman
>
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