How you can help
Photo by D. Mele
Report what you see
If swimmers, divers or snorkelers observe abnormally large white portions of a coral skeleton, particularly on brain coral, maze coral, or pillar coral, note the locations and take a photo of the coral if possible. Check out some of our resources for identifying corals and coral disease on our resources page, where we have flash cards, quizzes and printable resources to aid divers.
Submit a report using the Report Sightings form. Reports of any coral impairments are helpful!
Credit: NOAA
Donate
Our partners spend countless hours researching, growing, out-planting, and monitoring corals. You can help them continue their work! Check out their pages below and join the efforts against SCTLD.
Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative
University of the Virgin Islands
Photo by L. Henderson
Protect the reef
Personal choices have an enormous impact on reducing stress to corals. Monitor and limit direct impact: ensure anchors are dropped away from coral, do not leave litter, use reef-safe sunscreens, and leave shells, corals and sand on the beach.
Reduce impact to corals by making environmentally-friendly choices: reduce use of single use plastics, avoid eating herbivorous fish (like parrotfish) which keep reefs clean from algae, and take steps to lower your carbon footprint.