ALERT          ALERT          ALERT          ALERT       ALERT   

 White Plague Impacts Caribbean Coral


Plaga Blanca Typo II  /  White Plague Type II
 M. Annularis

There is a serious outbreak of the lethal coral disease known as the White Plague being documented in the coral reefs inside the Luis Peña Channel Marine Fishery Reserve on Culebra.  Local scientists are trying to get a perspective on the extent of the infection around Culebra, Vieques and the big island of Puerto Rico, are hoping you can report any outbreaks in areas where you are diving.  Input from Florida and other Caribbean islands is also helpful.

This bacterial infection is decimating boulder star corals (M. Annularis) in Culebra.  It is also being identified in Cuba, Bermuda, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominica and Venezuela.

There are three varieties of White Plague:

Type 1: progression is very slow; a few centimeters (cm) monthly.

Type II progression is rapid; a few centimeters (cm) weekly

Type III: progression is extremely rapid; a few centimeters (cm) daily.            

Preliminary data suggest that the Culebra Island outbreak is caused by the White Plague Type III. It is progressing at an incredible rate of over 1-10 cm per day. This is the second major outbreak of White Plague in Culebra.  A total of 22% coral tissue loss was documented in permanently monitored corals between 1997 and 1998 due to a major outbreak followed by algal overgrowth.            

This spreads like a band disease, except no coloration around the rim of the infected area.  It leaves the infected area absolutely barren with just white skeleton remaining—no visible tissue.

Specifically, the information needed (and photos if possible) is:  

  1. Location (with depth) and GPS coordinates.

  2. Date.

  3. Size of dead area.

  4. Species infected.

  5. Generalization of number of corals infected. (none, few or many)

It is also significant if you have not seen this infection at your dive sites.  

Antimicrobial treatment options are currently being evaluated.  

If you have any questions about this disease, or you would like to report your findings, please contact Dr. Hernández or CORALations.  Thank you for your help. 

  ***White Plague: More Information***

Edwin A. Hernández, Ph.D.
Catedrático Auxiliar
Universidad de Puerto Rico
Departamento de Biología
Grupo de Investigación en Arrecifes de Coral
Apt. 23360
San Juan, PR  00931-3360
Tel. (787) 764-0000,  (x-3360)
Fax (787) 764-2610

 CORALations
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corals@prtc.net          1-877-77CORAL
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