Coral Rescue: New Probiotic Could Stop Disease in Florida Reefs

Fort Pierce, Florida, USA - A breakthrough discovery from scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has provided a glimmer of hope for Florida’s beleaguered coral reefs. Researchers have identified a bacterial probiotic, Pseudoalteromonas sp. McH1-7, which shows significant promise in slowing the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD). This disease, which first emerged in Florida in 2014, affects over 30 species of stony corals, leading to devastating tissue loss and exposing the coral skeletons to further threats.

The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, casting light on a potential long-term solution to a crisis that has claimed substantial coral cover across Florida’s reefs and the wider Caribbean. As SCTLD spreads, it has also caused alarm among marine biologists and conservationists due to the significant ecological impact it has on coral ecosystems.

Probiotic Solutions to Coral Crisis

The research team dedicated more than six years to exploring probiotics as a safer and more sustainable alternative to antibiotics, which have been the mainstay of coral treatment but often lead to resistant strains. Researchers tested over 200 bacterial strains from disease-resistant corals in search of an effective probiotic treatment. Their work culminated in the identification of McH1-7, which has demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against pathogens associated with SCTLD.

Initial lab studies revealed promising results: McH1-7 slowed or halted disease progression in 68.2% of treated fragments of Montastraea cavernosa, a common species affected by SCTLD. In field tests carried out in 2020 near Fort Lauderdale, corals treated with a paste and a seawater solution containing McH1-7 showed remarkable resilience, with the solution method, reminiscent of creating a mini-aquarium, proving particularly effective. This innovative application helped prevent tissue loss across entire coral colonies.

As the study monitored these coral colonies over 2.5 years, it was evident that McH1-7 could slow the disease’s spread without disrupting the natural microbiomes of the corals—a crucial factor for maintaining overall coral health. However, researchers caution that further studies are needed to calibrate the treatment for other regions, including the Florida Keys, where preliminary results have been mixed.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

The context for this research isn’t just about one strain of bacteria; it’s situated within a larger tapestry of ongoing studies regarding coral health and disease resilience. Researchers from various institutions have discussed this growing crisis in several papers, emphasizing that rebuilding coral reefs is a pressing challenge. For instance, studies by Precht et al. in 2016 highlighted unprecedented coral mortality linked to widespread disease outbreaks, while subsequent research has examined multiple facets of reef health and disease dynamics in Southeastern Florida. Since SCTLD has impacted at least two dozen coral species, the stakes have never been higher.

Research has identified multiple strains and potential therapeutic solutions. Aeby et al. explored the pathogenesis of a disease affecting various coral species, highlighting the interrelated nature of these challenges. Meanwhile, studies from the likes of Meyer et al. and Ushijima et al. address microbial community shifts and disease diagnostics—critical components in understanding and combatting SCTLD.

The call for innovative treatments like probiotics is growing louder, as the consequences of complacency could be dire. Coral reefs are not just stunning underwater landscapes; they are vital ecosystems that support marine biodiversity. Inaction could mean losing these invaluable resources forever, leaving both marine life and coastal communities vulnerable.

As the treatment options like McH1-7 are refined and validated, the future of coral reefs may take a hopeful turn. The collaboration between marine scientists, local institutions, and conservationists will be essential as we strive to protect this delicate environment.

For now, while optimistic findings surface, the broader fight against coral disease continues. It appears there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel—but it’s clear, we must keep pushing forward. In the words of the old saying, “A little goes a long way,” and perhaps this time, it’s the microbiome that will save our reefs.