"A rescue mission to save Florida corals from a mysterious disease that’s devastating local reefs arrived in Miami on Friday with 400 specimens that may be used as a gene bank to potentially breed new colonies and repopulate reefs in the future.

Marine research vessel Makai returned from a five-day cruise at Dry Tortugas National Park with tanks full of corals that haven’t yet been infected by the disease, known as stony coral tissue loss disease. The corals will stay at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science for a few weeks before they are shipped to zoos and aquariums nationwide.

Coral reefs worldwide have been threatened by pollution, development and by more frequent bleaching events, which are associated with climate change. In Florida, warmer temperatures cause nutrient-rich waters to produce more seaweed, which can suffocate corals. Dredging has also affected colonies, and increased boat and ship traffic around the Florida Reef Tract has also taken a toll on corals. "

Adriana Brasileiro reports for Florida Keys News July 5, 2019. [2]