HUMAN activity in coastal areas is responsible for killing coral, say a pair
of researchers who’ve been tracking coral disease. This means that local
measures such as reducing soil run-off or sewage discharges might help save
corals that fall ill. Sick coral also provides an early warning that entire
ecosystems are in danger, according to the researchers.
For 20 years, marine biologists have watched in dismay as corals succumbed to
a dozen apparently new infections. Now a global map of coral diseases has
pointed the finger at human development of coastal zones.
Most coral diseases are known by their symptoms,…
