Reviving Caribbean Scleractinian Corals: Medication in Ex-Situ Care

Author (Your Name)

Christopher E. Cho, Colby CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

Advisor(s)

Justin Becknell

Second Advisor

Alejandra Ortiz

Third Advisor

Philip Nyhus

Abstract

The Caribbean basin is facing an unprecedented decline in coral reef health, with factors such as coral disease, climate change, and algal overgrowth contributing to the deterioration of these vital ecosystems. In response, land-based facilities have emerged to aid in coral conservation and restoration efforts. One aspect of these conservation efforts involves the treatment of coral ailments, which is still an emerging field within coral conservation. By medicating corals, researchers aim to combat diseases and alleviate stressors that threaten coral health. This practice holds promise for preserving genetic diversity and supporting future repopulation initiatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Two Little Fishies ReVive® and Lugol’s iodine solution in treating sickly Caribbean scleractinian corals and investigates the correlation between water chemistry parameters and coral health outcomes. Two hundred specimens from nine species were treated with either ReVive® or Lugol’s iodine solution and monitored for one and three months post-treatment. Health outcomes varied, with ReVive® showing mixed results, including 12% mortality after one month. Lugol’s iodine solution resulted in higher initial mortality (30%) but with signs of improvement over time. Additional analysis of water chemistry revealed significant correlations between suboptimal salinity levels and poor coral health outcomes. This study is one of the first of its kind to evaluate the efficacy of treatments on Caribbean scleractinian corals and provides valuable insights into the practical application of these treatments in managing coral stress and disease under real-world conditions. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application, this study contributes to the development of more effective coral conservation strategies and enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in medicating corals for long-term reef health and resilience.

Keywords

scleractinian corals, ex-situ coral conservation, coral medication, water chemistry

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