Australian coral researchers warn of white syndrome disease

William Atkins
Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:10

Science - Climate

The Great Barrier Reef is under attack by a coral disease called “white syndrome,” according to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and (similarly) from global warming, according to the ARC Centre for Excellence in Coral Reef Studies.

According to surveys performed by researchers, and published in 2008, at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the Great Barrier Reef is being damaged near the Queensland towns of Cooktown, Townsville, Cairns, and Rockhampton.

Hugh Sweatman notes that these areas used to be the best places for the protection of the corals. An abundance of life forms, from tiny corals and single-celled algae to sponges, dolphins, whales, and sharks, are found in these rich ecosystems.

However, Sweatman talks about coral: “In the last couple of years that's dropped by half and most of the coral that's been lost has been the species of coral that are susceptible to white syndrome.” {ABC Online: “'White syndrome' disease threatens Barrier Reef”]

The danger is thought to be caused by climate change, along with damage from fishing activities and polluted runoff from human land use. It has caused diminished fish populations along and in the coral reefs. Another cause is thought to be white syndrome, a coral disease.

According to a May 9, 2007 iTWire article (“White syndrome disease spreading across coral reefs”): “White syndrome disease is a rapidly emerging coral reef killer. The cells within the coral, when confronted with the disease, activate a cellular process that acts like a self-destruct mechanism—what is called PCD (programmed cell death).”

The article continues to state, “The PCD is similar to a human’s immune system that is activated to fight infection. Thus, the disease is thought by scientists to come from within the coral, not from an outside invader. Normally, PCD protects the coral by attacking viruses and bacterial. The PCD kills an area around the infected cells to make a barrier of dead cells to protect the healthy cells from further attack. However, something is going wrong with the process and the healthy cells are not being protected.”

What has been the effect so far? Please turn the page to find out.