Coral reefs are one of the most bio diverse ecosystems in the world. These are also regarded as one of the major productive ecosystem. The commonly reported threats to coral health include bleaching, over exploitation of fish stocks, destructive fishing and the rapid man-made development in the coastal areas. These environmental impacts have paved the way to the emergence of coral disease and are considered as the most serious issue of coral reefs deterioration. Globally, the major diseases affecting corals are Black band disease, White band disease, Aspergillosis, Dark spot disease, Stony coral disease, Pink line syndrome, Yellow band disease, and Skeletal eroding diseases. In this paper, all the diseases affecting the corals are elaborately discussed.
Author(s) Details:
K S Susmaa
Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
J M Jeni
Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
A Prasanna
Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
D Manikandavelu
Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
B R Sona
Department of Fisheries Environment, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
K Masilan
Department of Fish Processing Technology, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
B Mahalakshmi
Department of Fisheries Environment, Dr. MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Coral Diseases in the Great Barrier Reef
Coral Bleaching and Ocean Heat:
The Great Barrier Reef has faced repeated coral bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures caused by human-induced climate change. In the past eight years, five major bleaching events have occurred, severely affecting this UNESCO World Heritage Site [1] .
A recent study led by Dr. Benjamin Henley reconstructed 400 years of summer sea surface temperatures in the Coral Sea. The results highlight extreme ocean heat, leading to mass coral bleaching on the reef. The year 2024 witnessed the warmest temperatures on record, far exceeding previous highs [1] .
Despite UNESCO’s decision not to list the Reef as “in danger,” scientists emphasize that it is indeed under critical pressure [1] .
Coral Cover Changes:
The Great Barrier Reef’s hard coral cover has been dynamic. Factors such as the 2022 bleaching event, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, coral disease, and tropical cyclones contribute to recent coral cover changes [2] .
Aerial surveys conducted in February and March 2024 found bleached corals in 73% of surveyed reefs across all three regions of the reef. Some reefs experienced substantial mortality due to the bleaching event [3] .
References
- Scientists Sound the Alarm: Record Ocean Heat Puts the Great Barrier Reef in Danger
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-sound-the-alarm-record-ocean-heat-puts-the-great-barrier-reef-in-danger/ - Emslie, M.J., Ceccarelli, D.M., Logan, M. et al. Changing dynamics of Great Barrier Reef hard coral cover in the Anthropocene. Coral Reefs 43, 747–762 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-024-02498-5
- New report on Great Barrier Reef shows coral cover increases before onset of serious bleaching, cyclones
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-great-barrier-reef-coral-onset.html
