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Prof. Drew Harvell
Chair, CRTR Disease Working Group
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Diver collecting coral mucus with a syringe from the surface of a Siderastea siderea colony
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The situation
Coral reefs are under increasing stress from a number of causes, including climate warming, poor water quality and overfishing. Over the last 20 years, unprecedented increases in coral disease have contributed significantly to coral reef degradation. read more
Who we are
The Coral Disease Working Group’s research will provide a greater understanding of the ways in which coral diseases can alter reef function and the conditions under which outbreaks may occur. read more
Our research
The Coral Disease Working Group aims to fill critical information gaps about coral reef disease, build capacity internationally, and develop solutions for managing and conserving reef ecosystems. Coral disease research is focused on global impact; global warming and human impacts; causes, reservoirs and vectors; and disease resistance. read more
Progress so far
The Coral Disease Working Group has addressed many issues including identifying several infectious disease syndromes; measuring baseline levels of many diseases worldwide; identifying which Centres of Excellence are most suitable for identifying local factors that might drive disease; and investigating whether climate factors affect coral disease levels. read more
Information resources
Coral disease related publications are available. read more
Contacts
Coral Disease Working Group contacts read more