A "yellow band disease” was detected in Florida in the 1990s and has caused extensive deterioration of Caribbean reefs. There is no known remedy yet.
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It was only last year that the same phenomenon was detected on the east coast of Thailand, near the popular tourist city of Pattaya. Experts believe that their arrival in the country may be linked to excessive fishing, pollution, or warming sea water that weakens the structure of the corals.
Unlike episodes of coral bleaching, which have affected Australia's Great Barrier Reef on different occasions, the impact of the disease cannot be reversed.
“When coral becomes infected with this disease, it simply dies,” says oceanographer Lalita Putchim. She was on the Thai island of Samae San, southeast of Bangkok, for a coral observation dive.
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The disappearance of corals can have a devastating impact on the ecosystem 🪸
The coral reef is like a forest that houses enormous amounts of life, and its death can eventually end up affecting humans. Thai scientists are confident that investigation into the outbreak will help find a way to contain, or even cure, the disease.
On their expedition to Samae San Island, Lalita and her team photographed the infected corals and measured the affected area, as well as collecting samples to study in the laboratory.
Maritime authorities use social media to monitor reports of infected corals and ask people to report new damaged reefs. Researchers are also assisted by local volunteers.
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(With AFP)
