The Disease-resistant corals can save nearby susceptible ones from infection

Helping to preserve and protect coral reefs around the world is a high priority at Quality Marine. We believe it is essential for the future of our industry and the health of our oceans. It always brings such joy and excitement here when we see research with positive results being done. UC Davis Department of Evolution and Ecology performed a study where they found that placing corals with different genotypes together in a nursery can actually improve the populations’ overall resistance to disease.

The study mainly focused on Staghorn Corals that are commonly found in the Caribbean, where the white band disease is prevalent. This study took place at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s nursery in the Cayman Islands. Nurseries are essential for regrowing populations and housing corals of a variety of genotypes. Unfortunately, nurseries are still subject to disease outbreaks like wild corals which is why this research has been so important. The researchers found that the diseases-resistant corals can prevent the spread of disease to susceptible corals that they are attached to. This finding is critical for nurseries to maintain both resistant and susceptible corals in the population to help manage disease spread among them. To learn more about this incredible study please go to The California Aggie Disease-resistant corals can save nearby susceptible ones from infection - The Aggie

Featured Photo: Coral species show signs of white band disease (Courtesy / Dagny Anastassiou)