As we experience the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic across the globe, our coral reefs face a deadly disease of their own. Stony coral tissue loss disease was first observed in St. Thomas in January of 2019. Since then it has spread around the island of St. Thomas and has made its way over to St. John's reefs where it continues to wreak havoc.
For long time visitors, it may be abundantly clear that something has gone incredibly amiss with our reefs, which were once rich with marine life. As you snorkel around St. John’s coral reefs you’ll notice how barren the underwater landscape has become. In 2017 our reefs were hammered by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but luckily the coral has built a tolerance to storm surges, so only minor damage was sustained during that time. Coral bleaching, which occurs as a result of external stressors such as chemical pollution, sedimentation, and rising ocean temperatures and salinity has also affected a great deal of our coral reefs. But unlike coral bleaching, stony coral tissue loss disease kills the coral quickly, and in less than two years, the disease has been said to have affected around 50% of the stony coral population in the USVI.
The disease can spread by ocean currents, but humans, always on the move, have played a major role in the spread too. As powerboats, ferries, and barges glide across the ocean, they churn the water, causing the disease to travel more quickly from its original location to a new destination. Similarly, snorkelers whose gear is exposed to infected reefs end up accidentally introducing the disease to unaffected coral as they snorkel at different beaches during their vacation in the Virgin Islands. To prevent the spread of the disease, rinse your snorkel equipment at home before you use it at a new beach.
Coral reefs in the Virgin Islands are extremely important for several reasons. They provide optimal living environments for many marine species who are able to dwell and feed among the coral. The beauty of our coral reefs is also important for tourism, and without it, our economy could suffer. Lastly, the reefs protect our islands during hurricanes by creating a barrier against storm surges that batter our shorelines.
In an effort to combat this rapidly spreading disease, there are a few things that we should all be doing. Firstly, avoid any contact with coral reefs. While snorkeling, remember that not everything beautiful must be touched. Keep a generous distance between yourself and the reef. We must also all adhere to the US Virgin Islands ban on harmful sunscreens. When packing for vacation, make sure not to bring any illegal sunscreens that contain chemicals that lead to coral bleaching. Instead, purchase reef safe sunscreens that use minerals rather than chemicals to block UV light. Finally, as you snorkel, take note of any areas where you notice signs of stony coral disease, such as white lesions, and report it to the VI Coral Disease webpage. Pictures of the coral would be greatly appreciated, as it makes it easier to determine whether or not the coral reported is in fact suffering from the disease. From there, marine scientists will observe your reported coral at its physical location, taking the appropriate intervention measures to rescue the coral.