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STEVE GITTINGS / NOAA
A brain coral at Alligator Reef off the coast of Islamorada shows signs of a disease that threatens about half of the coral species on the Florida Reef Tract. Experts are meeting at Key Largo this week to discuss options.
KEY LARGO – More than 40 coral reef specialists are expected at Key Largo this week, but not for diving.
The multi-agency group aims to share three days of information on coral disease. which threatens half of the coral species on the Florida Keys reef.
"It brings together people who are doing experiments, both in the field and in the laboratory, with a focus on understanding the disease, the factors responsible for its spread, and what we can do "said Andy Bruckner. Coral Specialist is now working as a research coordinator for the Florida Marine National Sanctuary.
The disease, first identified off Miami in 2014, typically attacks the large rocky corals that form the base of the Florida Reef Tract 360 miles long.
"We are focusing on some of the highest priority corals that are really, really important for building a productive reef structure," said Mr. Bruckner. "Large corals are important, the bigger they are, the more they help to provide more offspring for future generations."
"There are many challenges to trying to treat sick coral in the field, which means in the field l & # 39; water. You must be very careful. You can not just throw chlorine or antiseptics into the water because of the impacts on all other organisms.
The treatment techniques tested include the mixture of chlorine and epoxy, and then the application of the paste on the visible edge of the infection. on a coral head.
"In some cases it has been quite effective," Bruckner said.
How the disease appeared remains a mystery. This could be a reaction to water conditions or a changing climate that has caused an imbalance in the natural mix of bacteria that live with corals.
"Maybe when the water gets too hot, the 'bad' bacteria outclbad the 'good' bacteria and become dominant, triggering an epidemic". "Bruckner said.
The current threat to corals" is severe and it has spread a bit, "he said," but it's important to remember that we are not losing not all. Some corals do not catch the disease at all. "
Some of the largest block corals that have been affected have shown signs of natural recovery.
" Corals are animals. Sometimes they get sick, then survive and start to repopulate, "Bruckner said.
Boulder's corals "smaller than a basket ball" are more likely to collapse completely, he said.
The pioneering efforts of the coral nursery by Florida Keys experts with the Coral Restoration Foundation and the Mote Marine Laboratory give researchers the hope of rebuilding other species of coral, Bruckner said.
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., In February, began urging federal agencies to take further action to save the state's living reef, which attracts over 16 million visitors each year (19459010) . . "
" I am happy that inter-agency meetings are starting, but what people in the community want to know, what plan of action exists to fight the mysterious coral disease ", has said Nelson in an email Friday.
In addition to the marine host sanctuary, several maritime agencies of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will participate in the three-day workshop, in collaboration with the National Parks Service.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its research team will participate.
Others on the invitation list include staff with Keys Marine Lab, Mote Navy, the National Conservancy, the Florida Aquarium and several universities.
The Key Largo Holiday Inn's studio is not open to the public.
"This will be very technical," said a door of the sanctuary area.
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