Coral disease blamed on sewage

Scientists from the University of Georgia are blaming bacteria found in human sewage for a disease that is wiping out coral off the Florida Keys.
85% of the Caribbean Elkhorn coral in the Keys has been affected by the 'white pox', caused by a bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals.

Elkhorn corals have been called the giant redwoods of the reef and provide food and shelter for many reef dwelling creatures. The disease, which causes white lesions to appear on the outer living tissue of corals eventually killing them, is extremely contagious and has been found in reefs all over the Caribbean.

Coral reefs are vital to the well-being of our oceans and the planet as a whole. Preserving them and maintaining their health is of the utmost importance and the recent findings have added further weight to calls for improved wastewater and stormwater treatment in the Keys.

Vicky Garner of SAS:

"We should take these findings as a warning and as further reason to ensure that all sewage inputs into the aquatic environment are treated to remove harmful viruses and bacteria.

Coral reefs lie off the coasts of many developing countries. It is vital that when developed nations export sewage treatment technologies to these areas they are appropriate and increase protection of these valuable ecosystems".

For further details contact Vicky Garner at SAS 01872 553001 or email vicky@sas.org.uk