Changing Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Dynamics Through Time in Montastraea cavernosa

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is affecting corals across the Western Atlantic and displays species-specific regional differences in prevalence, incidence, degree of mortality, lesion morphology. We examined two Florida sites with different temporal histories emergence; Fort Lauderdale where SCTLD endemic Lower Keys has recently emerged. Our objectives were to (1) assess potential impact on overall reef condition by surveying reefs each region, (2) a single common species, Montastraea cavernosa , examine colony morphology (3) look for contagion conducting transmission experiments using lesions from region. Reef surveys found both regions had low cover, high algae similar species composition. prevalence was higher than at M. S. siderea dominated smaller colonies (<5 cm) whereas larger occurred Keys. Tagged SCTLD-affected followed 2 years one site In years, showed declining mainly bleached spots lacking loss. contrast, tagged first year maintained 100% predominantly no edges. However, dynamics changed, showing switched mixture polyps or without Lesion significant predictor amount Aquaria studies rate zones (emergent endemic) similar. study highlights that mortality are not necessarily linked host reflective subsequent change through time newly