Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have pinpointed a group of disease-resistant corals in the Caribbean, offering a potential path to rebuild resilient reef ecosystems. The findings, published in Science, highlight corals with natural defenses that could serve as a cornerstone for breeding programs aimed at restoring damaged reefs and safeguarding reef biodiversity as ocean conditions shift.
Beyond the well-known threat of bleaching driven by rising sea temperatures, corals also contend with bacterial infections such as white band disease. This deadly pathogen swept through the Caribbean, decimating staghorn and related coral species within a short span, with overall losses approaching ninety-five percent in certain areas.
To uncover workable solutions, the research team evaluated fifty staghorn coral genotypes collected from waters off Panama and Florida. Their analysis revealed thirty-three genotypes exhibiting resistance and fifteen that remained largely impervious to infection. The latter group earned the label of what scientists termed “super corals” due to their exceptional resilience.
Experts suggest that resilient corals could be used to establish new nurseries and, with careful management, gradually restore the once-bountiful reefs across the Caribbean. By propagating these hardy genotypes under controlled conditions, restoration programs can accelerate reef recovery and bolster the long-term health of reef ecosystems facing ongoing thermal stress and disease pressure.
Earlier investigations explored strategies to conserve corals in other iconic reef systems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, underscoring a global urgency to protect reef-forming species and their ecological roles.