Coral Disease and Health: A National Research Plan

Woodley, C; Bruckner, A; Galloway, S; McLaughlin, S; Downs, C; Fauth, J; Shotts, E; Lidie, K

The health and continued existence of coral reef ecosystems are threatened by an increasing array of environmental and anthropogenic impacts. These causes of decline, including global climate change, invasive species, shoreline development, habitat destruction, polluted runoff, sedimentation and over-exploitation overwhelm the natural plasticity of these systems and have contributed to an estimated loss of27% of the world's reefs. If current pressure continues unabated, nearly 60% of the world's reefs may be lost by 2030, due to reduced coral growth rates, bleaching, disease outbreaks and increased mortality. These ecosystems, which are among the most complex and biologically diverse habitats on earth, provide economic and environmental services to millions of people worldwide. In order to preserve and protect these ancient marine ecosystems, an understanding of the effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors on reef-building coral communities is essential... Many strategic research objectives were identified. The major objectives can be summarized as follows: Establishment of standard terminology, methodology and protocols, Expansion of knowledge in basic coral physiology, biology and disease etiology, Development of model coral species, Development of a Centralized Data/Knowledge System, Website, Repository and Core Diagnostic Facilities... The primary deliverable of the CDHC workshop was to develop a Strategic National Research Plan directed towards the study of coral disease and health that highlights the following SPECIFIC GOALS: • Establish targeted committees of experts to review, assess, develop, organize and implement coral disease and health needs and approaches highlighted in the CDHC National Research Plan. • Establish and promote standardization of coral disease and health research through development of common terminology, interpretations, monitoring protocols, collection techniques, reporting standards, and laboratory protocols. • Determine the occurrence, causes and effects of declines in coral health. • Define effects of point and non-point discharges and environmental and climatic stressors on coral health through understanding mechanisms of action. • Provide technical information and practical diagnostic tools to help managers and scientists understand, evaluate, track, predict and remedy coral diseases. • Strengthen and coordinate opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations and provide cross disciplinary training for scientists and managers.