Three scleractinian coral diseases in Dominica, West Indies: distribution, infection patterns and contribution to coral tissue mortality

摘要: Coral diseases have been documented in many areas of the Caribbean, but studies eastern Caribbean region lacking. The prevalence, distribution patterns and contribution to mortality coral tissue by black band disease (BBD), white plague (WP) dark spots (DSD) were examined at five reef sites along west coast Dominica. 185 325 diseased colonies recorded between March August 2000, a survey area 5884 m2, WP. This contributed 89% total 4.08 m2 caused during period. WP also affected largest average surface (relative colony size) per exhibited loss infection when compared BBD DSD. species most susceptible Dominica differed from other described locations with Siderastrea siderea being susceptible. S. was only noted be Measurements size revealed that each larger some species. Comparisons prevalence site various physical parameters, including temperature, wave height, depth, current patterns, did not exhibit significant correlations. lack direct correlation temperature indicates there are seasonal factors contributing higher summer months positively correlated relative abundances dominant factor determining sitespecific densities this may therefore valuable predictive management tool. There no correlations or DSD spatial WP, clustered, which is pattern suggests an infectious disease.