Coral disease outbreak at the remote Flower Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

East and West Flower Garden Bank (FGB) are part of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in the northwest Gulf of Mexico. This geographically-isolated reef system contains extensive coral communities with the highest coral cover (>50%) in the continental United States due, in part, to their remoteness and depth, and have historically exhibited low incidence of coral disease and bleaching despite ocean warming. Yet in late August 2022, disease-like lesions on seven coral species were reported during routine monitoring surveys on East and West FGB (2.1–2.6% prevalence). A series of rapid response cruises were conducted in September and October 2022 focused on 1) characterizing signs and epidemiological aspects of the disease across FGB and within long-term monitoring sites, 2) treating affected coral colonies with Base 2B plus amoxicillin, and 3) collecting baseline images through photostations and photomosaics. Marginal and/or multi-focal lesions and tissue loss were observed, often associated with substantial fish and invertebrate predation, affecting the dominant coral species Pseudodiploria strigosa (7–8% lesion prevalence), Colpophyllia natans (11–18%), and Orbicella spp. (1%). Characterizing this disease event during its early epidemic phase at East and West FGB provides a critical opportunity to observe how coral disease functions in a relatively healthy coral ecosystem versus on reefs chronically affected by various stressors (e.g., Caribbean reefs adjacent to urban centers). Insights into the etiology, spread, and impacts of the disease can ultimately inform efforts to mitigate its effects on coral communities.

Systematic review of the uncertainty of coral reef futures under climate change

“…This study assessed the potential effectiveness of management strategies in addressing outbreaks of CoTS and reducing cumulative impacts on the Great Barrier Reef 54 . The urgency to address this area of uncertainty is underscored by the ongoing coral disease outbreak in the Gulf of Mexico, which poses a severe threat to coral reefs in the region 188 , 189 . Disease outbreaks are becoming increasingly concerning, affecting not only coral reefs but also other marine life 190 , 191 , highlighting the need for urgent attention and action.…”

A quantitative assessment of the status of benthic communities on US Atlantic coral reefs using a novel standardized approach

“…SCTLD arrived in the Dry Tortugas in 2021 (Grove et al 2022) and was fully epidemic by 2022, followed by impacts from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Flower Garden Banks reported disease-like lesions in 2022 that have not been confirmed as SCTLD to date (Johnston et al 2023).…”

Mesoscale Eddies Influence Coral Reef Environments in the Northwest Gulf of Mexico

“…Most recently, suspected coral disease at East Flower Garden Bank and West Flower Garden Bank was reported in August 2022 associated with seven coral species that demonstrated lesions (Johnston et al., 2023). The introduction of coral disease can potentially be attributed to tissue contact through other organisms and the unique chemistry in the water column (Aeby et al., 2019; Cróquer et al., 2021; Johnston et al., 2023; Muller et al., 2020).…”

“…Water quality measurements over East Flower Garden Bank and West Flower Garden Bank in 2022 did not appear to show any anomalous conditions other than slightly below average salinity but within the seasonal range (31-38 PSU) and slightly above average summer water temperature (30°C), which may have contributed to the disease spread (Johnston et al, 2023).…”