Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Voss, Joshua D.

Abstract

Florida’s coral reefs are facing a multi-year coral disease outbreak described as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), affecting at least 24 species of scleractinian corals. Potential anthropogenic and environmental drivers of SCTLD progression and severity are still poorly understood. This project was designed to determine the potential impacts of elevated nutrients on the progression and spread of SCTLD on reefs in Southeast Florida. We attempted to increase nutrient levels near coral colonies using fertilizer amendments to mimic the effects of agricultural and urban runoff. SCTLD lesion progression, coral tissue loss, and disease prevalence were tracked overtime. There were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations between nutrient-amended and control groups or SCTLD progressions or surrounding SCTLD prevalence. However, water temperature was positively correlated to SCTLD activity. These findings provide insight to reef managers seeking to limit and mitigate the prevalence and impacts of SCTLD.

Extent

87 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2022.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014091

Format

pdf

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