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Forecasting System for New Coral Diseases

“New Tool for Forecasting Coral Disease: A Game-Changer for Conservationists”

The research led by the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) has resulted in the development of a new tool for forecasting coral disease, which could be a game-changer for conservation efforts. The tool, known as the Multi-Factor Coral Disease Risk product, takes into account ecological and marine environmental conditions to predict the risk of two diseases across reefs in the central and western Pacific and along the east coast of Australia.

Published in Ecological Applications, this new tool can be accessed through the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch program. It provides valuable insights that can help end users detect early changes in the environment and take necessary steps to protect coral reef ecosystems.

Principal Investigator and HIMB Interim Director Megan Donahue, who is funded by NASA, expressed excitement about the potential of this tool. Lead author Jamie Caldwell from High Meadows Environmental Institute at Princeton University highlighted the tool’s practicality, comparing it to using weather forecasts to plan for a trip.

With over half a billion people depending on Earth’s coral reefs, ensuring their resilience in the face of numerous threats is crucial. Tools like the Multi-Factor Coral Disease Risk product play a vital role in safeguarding these ecosystems.

The tool also offers localized insights that can help managers understand the specific risks of coral disease in their regions and develop timely intervention strategies. Professor Scott Heron from James Cook University emphasized the importance of consulting with coral reef managers across the Pacific to ensure the tool’s effectiveness in reef management.

Coral reefs are not only biologically diverse but also culturally significant to Indigenous communities worldwide. They provide essential services such as food, jobs, recreation, and coastline protection. However, factors like increased runoff, global climate change, and human impacts have put immense pressure on coral health, leading to disease outbreaks.

The development of the Multi-Factor Coral Disease Risk Product was a collaborative effort involving HIMB, NOAA Coral Reef Watch, James Cook University, University of Newcastle, and University of New South Wales. This innovative tool holds promise for enhancing coral reef conservation efforts and ensuring the long-term survival of these invaluable ecosystems.

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