neoplasms in corals

[Francisco KELMO]

Dear Colleagues,

Have you heard anything related to cancer in corals recently? The 
most substantial paper I've got was written by Dr. Esther Peters and 
co-workers in May 1986. The text is of excellent quality and 
very informative, although the report does not fully conclude the 
causes of coral tumours (calicoblastic neoplasms).

I am asking this because last month, during a field work, I 
discovered abnormal tissue growth in colonies of two scleractinians 
(Northern coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil). The area has been 
monitored since 1995, but I never noticed scleractinians with chaotic 
porous proliferation, hyperplasia, irregular shape and discolouration 
(Not the usual bleaching).  I suspect that this is a consequence 
of reef degradation following the 1997-98 El Nino event. However,  
most of literature I could track down is out of date. 

If you are/know someone who is currently engaged in coral tumour 
research, please contact me.  I also appreciate comments and 
suggestions from everyone.

Cheers, Francisco.




F.Kelmo
Coral Reef Ecology
Benthic Ecology Research Group
613 Davy Building, University of Plymouth,
Drake Circus, Devon, PL4 8AA
United Kingdon.
Phone: +44 (0)1752 232951 (Lab) +44 (0)870 710 5741 (home)
Fax: +44 (0)1752 232970
E-mail: fkelmo at plymouth.ac.uk