Coral disease (white syndrome) outbreak of Montipora capitata (rice coral) in protected area on Maui
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1. `AhihiKina`u Natural Area Reserve
Coral Disease Outbreak Investigation
Maui, Hawai`i
Russell Sparks, DAR Education Specialist
Skippy Hau,
DAR Aquatic Biologist
Coral Disease Researcher
Greta Aeby, PhD.
Danielle Kornfeind,
DOFAW Ranger
2. `AhihiKina`u Coral Disease Outbreak Investigation
January 14, 2010
Montipora White Syndrome
Progressive Tissue Loss Disease
Species affected: Montiporacapitata
Probable Cause: Pathogenic
Discovery by UH graduate students Megan Ross & Yuko
Stender
Photos by Danielle Kornfeind, Linda Castro, and Skippy Hau
3. Disease Front
Tissue loss
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
Healthy Coral
reddish brown
4. Progression of the disease can be observed originating from the
base of the colony to the tops of the branches in this example.The
distinct white band adjacent the reddish-brown live coral is newly
exposed skeleton where the tissue has been lost.When the coral
dies, the algae quickly move in (within days) to occupy the empty
space.The progressive density of the algae indicate the direction
and rate of speed of the disease.This outbreak will be studied and
monitored.
5. Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Disease Front
Tissue loss
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
6. Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Live coral polyps are visible
Tissue loss
progressive algal growth
Disease Front white skeleton exposed
No tissue empty calices (coral cups)
7. Healthy Coral
reddish brown,
This one is paling (bleaching)
Tissue loss
recent mortality; exposed skeleton & empty calices (cups)
8. Tissue loss white skeleton visible -
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
Healthy Coral
reddish brown
9. Tissue loss white skeleton visible -
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Dark red/purple
Endolithichypermycosis
Naturally occurring internal fungus overgrowth under stress of
disease
10. Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Tissue loss
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
Disease Front
11. Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Tissue loss
recent mortality; progressive algal growth
Disease Front
12. Healthy Coral
reddish brown
Tissue loss
recent mortality; exposed white skeleton
Progressive algal growth
13. Coral bleaching, disease & marine invasives reporting
network
Report unusual events of bleaching, disease or COTS to:
www.reefcheckhawaii.org/eyesofthereef.htm
808-953-4044
or
EOR site coordinators
Kauai:Paul Clark [email protected]
Big Island:Linda Preskitt [email protected]
Maui:Darla White [email protected]
