Testing coral disease treatments across multiple species at several highly-infected Virgin Island coral reef National Parks

This project aims to test and implement coral disease mitigation techniques at several highly impacted Virgin Islands coral reef parks. The primary objective is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of selected coral disease treatments and techniques. The project will be conducted in cooperation with Mote Marine Laboratory and will involve testing and implementing coral disease mitigations, engaging and educating youths and the public, and aiding the park in preserving and protecting fundamental park resources. Some key aspects of the project include: • Developing and testing tools to treat coral yellow band disease, Acropora tissue loss diseases, white plague, black band disease, and stony coral tissue loss disease • Determining the best techniques for firebreak, direct drug, and H202 applications • Identifying the best time of year to create firebreaks for the most effective results • Characterizing the bacterial community dynamics within infected and treated areas • Quantifying the long-term potential for recovery of diseased cessation • Assessing laboratory-based "controlled rescue" and disease intervention treatments