"First observed in the USVI in January 2019, coral researchers have identified the coral disease outbreak on the reefs of southwestern St. Thomas, USVI. Scientists believe this is likely the same or a similar disease as one which struck the Florida Keys beginning in 2014. SCTLD has already caused major loss of vital coral reef habitat throughout the Florida Keys.

The disease has now progressed throughout the entire USVI and is present on every reef...This disease has caused a loss of more than half of the living coral at this location since the time the video was taken.

SCTLD has caused major loss of vital coral reef habitat throughout the Florida coral reef tract.

The new affliction is remarkably distinct from other diseases; it spreads across a colony rapidly and even larger coral colonies can lose major portions of living tissue, leaving behind large stark white skeletons. The disease is of no threat to humans, but scientists are gravely concerned about what the findings may mean for the remaining valuable reefs in the US Virgin Islands.

In collaboration with researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), scientists across the Caribbean have begun work to understand the spread and impact of SCTLD in the Territory."

Virgin Island Coral Disease Advisory Committee